Materials and Analytical Chemist - Staff Scientist

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$140,700 - $178,392 annually

Job Description

We have an opening for a Materials and Analytical Chemist to participate in diverse research in the areas of analytical chemistry and polymer/materials synthesis, including analysis of materials for national security applications. You will actively support and be expected to participate in and be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for conducting and supporting research in basic and applied science for national security and carbon dioxide capture and conversion. This position is in the Materials, Energy, and Carbon Security group in the Materials for Emerging Applications & Extreme Conditions section of the Materials Science Division.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will 

• Characterize the chemical and physical properties of polymers exposed to various service conditions using nuclear magnetic resonance and other techniques.
• Synthesize and prepare materials for use in carbon dioxide capture and conversion systems and evaluate their performance.
• Interact with a wide spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory to enhance the applications of ceramic and composite materials.
• Collaborate with scientists in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals and provide solutions to problems with limited complexity.
• Participate in the conception and design of moderately complex to complex new experiments to execute research to address defined problems within the scope of LLNL interests.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook; generate, organize, and analyze experimental data; and participate in research and project planning.
• Document research and provide results for presentation within the DOE community and at conferences.
• Prepare written analyses, verbal briefings, and other products that capture and communicate research results.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship
• MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or in a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Practical experience in designing experiments for and operating solution- and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance instruments and knowledge in analyzing nuclear magnetic resonance data.
• Experience with conducting research in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and relaxometry of a variety of heteroatom-containing polymers, including fluoropolymers, polysiloxanes, and ionomers.
• Experience in assembly and testing of electrolyzers.
• Experience in developing protocols for accelerated aging testing of polymers and other materials.
• Proficiency in verbal and written communication as reflected by effective presentations at seminars, meetings and/or teaching lectures.
• The willingness and ability to work independently, and to collaborate on multidisciplinary teams as required to reach research goals.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in multi-quantum magic-angle spinning solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
• Experience identifying and recommending solutions to fundamental problems using initiative and creativity.
• Willingness and ability to provide data for proposals to gain funding for either feasibility or long-term studies.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.  If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)