Research Associate: Polymer, Materials, or Synthetic Chemistry

US CITIZENS ONLY

Helicon Chemical Company - a leader in the development and production of next-generation composite materials for a variety of applications, including solid fuel and electrical storage applications - is seeking a chemist to support and conduct interdisciplinary research in the fields of polymer and materials chemistry and nanoscience. The candidate will perform chemical syntheses in glass and steel reactors up to 15 L in size. Work will primarily occur in a synthetic chemistry laboratory equipped with select analytical instrumentation. Experience with Chemglass or Buchi reactor systems is a plus. The candidate should be intimately familiar with the operation of gas manifolds, Schlenk lines, and pressurized gas cylinders. The candidate must have experience with experimental design and procedure development. Several years of benchtop laboratory experience is required. Experience characterizing new materials is also required. A successful candidate should be capable of independently operating a chemistry-focused laboratory following an initial training period of no more than 2 weeks.

Position Requirements

• B.S. with at least 10 years of hands-on laboratory experience in an industrial or R&D setting or M.S. with at least 5 years of hands-on laboratory experience in an industrial or R&D or Ph.D. in organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, materials science or related field with 0 to 5 years of experience.
• Current Ph.D. candidates near dissertation defense are also encouraged to apply.
• The ability to carry out air sensitive material synthesis using Schlenk techniques.
• The ability to work as an independent researcher with a high level of scientific judgment and initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in collaborative efforts as a member of a diverse research team.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience in the following areas: organic chemistry and synthesis or polymer chemistry, materials characterization, and air free chemical synthesis.
• Hands-on experience in both small molecule, nanoparticle, and polymer analytical techniques.
• Ability to develop and perform multi-step organic synthesis independently
• Ability to communicate effectively and on a timely basis with the laboratory supervisory personnel on all developments or matters resulting from laboratory work activities.
• Ability to maintain organized notebooks and project files.

Desired Qualifications:

• Degree in synthetic/polymer chemistry or materials science with an emphasis on synthetic chemistry, nanoscience, or material characterization
• Proficiency with common analytical instrumentation including method development for analytical techniques.
• Experience using pressurized reactors
• Experience working in a glove box
• Excellent Schlenk-link techniques for reactions with inert atmosphere.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

Prior military, Defense contractor or U.S. Government background

Current or Prior Security Clearance (Secret or above)

Professionalism, creativity and passion: If you have them and would like to a part of an innovative, winning organization that is revolutionizing the world of training, simulation and learning, we want to talk to you.