2025 BS/MS Graduate Chemist/Chemical Sciences Researcher

Are you motivated by conceiving creative solutions to tough problems?

Are you searching for a role that leads to significant real-world impacts by applying your strengths in chemistry?

Are you passionate about collaborating with outstanding scientists and engineers to develop your own skills while contributing to critical challenges?

If you are graduating with a degree in chemistry or chemical engineering, then we are looking for someone like you to join our team in the Chemical Sciences Group at APL!

We are seeking a chemist to help develop solutions to the widely varied problems that we take on through chemistry and engineering. You will apply your background in chemistry to develop solutions for the government's challenging problems. We need a dedicated colleague who is enthusiastic about research. You will have the opportunity to work across a wide-range of research domains including synthetic chemistry, polymer science, catalysis, materials science, and more. In our group, your research will span fields, from synthesis of stimuli-responsive polymers to inorganic coatings for thermal management; from adhesive and ink technologies, to electrochemistry and catalysis. We enable our team members to generate their own research ideas and publish their findings. At APL, we are a hardworking, multidisciplinary team that is committed to solving a wide range of problems while embracing risk with the goal of realizing creative solutions. We strive to foster a collaborative environment with world-class expertise that achieves game-changing impact. Our APL team values integrity and innovative ideas that will ensure our nation's preeminence in the 21st century.

As a chemist on our team...

• Your primary responsibility will be to perform experiments at the direction of a project manager and assist with the development of new materials via chemical synthesis, material characterization, and performance testing, both in the lab and in the field.
• You will perform detailed data analyses and explain characterization results.
• You will document and present technical work internally and externally.
• You will get the chance to work on projects both independently and as part of a team.
• You will have the opportunity to publish your research and present at conferences.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if...

• You possess a BS degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• You have demonstrable research experience in a laboratory environment.
• You are comfortable communicating research findings in various settings.
• You are willing and able to carry out laboratory research and travel for field testing, sponsor visits, conference attendance, and presentations.
• You are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if...

• You have a Master's degree in any of the fields listed above.
• You have published research results in peer-reviewed journals.
• You are proficient in air-free chemical synthesis, catalysis, electrochemistry, and/or polymer synthesis and characterization.
• You are familiar with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and/or mass spectrometry.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity of perspectives, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Salary : $85,000 - $160,000