Based in Southern California with locations in Malibu, Calabasas and Camarillo; HRL has been on the leading edge of technology, conducting pioneering research and advancing the state of the art. 

The Scaled Nanotechnology group at HRL is focused on developing new, inorganic and polymeric multifunctional and responsive materials and coatings by controlling nano/micro-scale architecture to tailor properties such as wetting, heat transfer, ice nucleation, surface adhesion, reaction thermodynamics, kinetics, color, and elasticity. We are focused on using scalable processes to rapidly mature technologies from fundamental discovery to commercial products.

Essential Duties: 

A successful candidate will perform chemical reactions and polymerizations at the benchtop-scale and beyond, working both independently and on a team. Duties may include setting up and performing chemical synthesis reactions (organic, inorganic, polymer, and organometallic chemistry), material processing development to produce functional materials, films, and coatings, along with documenting, analyzing, and reporting experimental results to the project manager. This position will involve the operation of analytical tools such as DSC, FTIR, UV-VIS, NMR, rheometry, SEM, and TGA and interpretation of the results. A successful candidate will contribute to new proposals, lead technical tasks, and ultimately grow into a principal investigator role.  Effective oral and written communication, both one-on-one and within a team environment will be essential, along with an avid willingness to learn. Additional duties may also include maintenance of stocks and supplies, monitoring calibration status of lab instruments, and ensuring overall laboratory upkeep.

Experience in a wet chemistry lab environment, specifically in the area of organic chemistry or polymer synthesis such as step-growth polymerization, free radical polymerization, natural products synthesis, coupling reactions, polymer foams,and compounding elastomers and/or coating formulations is highly desired. Experience with dynamic bonding (reversible reactions, kinetics, vitrimers) and sustainable materials is highly desired.  Experience synthesizing chemical compounds in a research environment and a record of good lab practice (documentation, safety procedures) is essential. Experience in use of automated lab equipment for chemical, thermal and/or structural analysis is highly desired. Experience with the use of computer software for data storage, organization, and analysis is also desired.

Understanding of organic and polymer chemistry and some inorganic chemistry and physics. Knowledge of chemical analysis, thermal analysis, optical characterization, and basic computer skills (e.g., spreadsheets & word processing). Experience with maintenance of lab equipment is desirable.

Required Education: 

Chemistry or polymer science PhD or Master’s degree with 2+ years of research experience (academic or industrial) in organic chemistry, small molecule synthesis, polymer and coatings development, or other synthetic area.

Must be able to perform safely in a laboratory environment using materials synthesis and analysis equipment. Requires good laboratory practice, ability to document and communicate results, and safe handling of chemicals.

U.S. Person status required (US citizen or green card). May be required to travel.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $128,900 - $157,900 + bonus + benefits.

 Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the target for new hire salaries for the position. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specifics during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed reflect the base salary only, and do not include potential bonus or benefits.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At HRL, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

HRL offers a very competitive compensation and benefits package. Our Regular/Full Time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K match, gym facilities, PTO, growth potential, and an exciting and challenging work environment.

HRL Laboratories is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, training or promoting, on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, medical condition, age, U.S. military or protected veteran status, union membership, or political affiliation. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

For our privacy policy please visit : www.hrl.com/privacy

This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.