2027 Graduate – Chemist/Chemical Engineer - Applied Chemistry and Physics

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking graduates in chemistry or chemical engineering to tackle national defense and security challenges. You will join a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers developing sensors, detectors, and chemistry-based analytical tools for DHS, DoD, and the IC.

As part of the Applied Chemistry and Physics team, you will design and test instrumentation, perform hands-on lab work, and collaborate with physicists, engineers, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related technical field with a strong academic record.
• Excellent interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
• Occasional travel to meet with government partners and stakeholders.
• Eligibility for U.S. citizenship and interim Secret clearance by start date, potential for Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, test, and evaluate instrumentation for defense, security, and national-interest projects.
• Synthesize and evaluate molecules, polymers, and biomolecules for defense and health applications.
• Perform hands-on lab work to address applied chemistry and physics problems.

Skills

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor’s in chemistry or chemical engineering

Master’s in related field (nice to have)

Job description

Description

Do you want to become an expert in chemistry or chemical engineering?

Are you passionate about tackling tough problems to provide real-world impact and drive the future?

If you are graduating with a degree in chemistry or chemical engineering and want to work on high-impact problems in applied chemistry, the Applied Chemistry and Physics team would love to have you join our team!

We are seeking talented individuals to contribute to tasks or projects that require a multi-disciplinary approach. At APL, you will join a hardworking and dedicated team of scientists and engineers to develop novel sensors, detectors and chemistry-based analytical tools for the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and the Intelligence Community. As a member of our team, you will work with physicists, engineers, analytical chemists and biologists to tackle our nation’s most important problems.

As a member of our team, you will….

• Help design, build, test, and evaluate scientific instrumentation to address concerns related to national defense, terrorism, and weapons of mass destruction.


• Synthesize and evaluate new molecules, polymers and biomolecules in support of new and ongoing chemistry research projects related to defense, national health and environmental science.


• Perform hands-on laboratory work as part of a team to develop solutions to applied chemistry and physics problems.

Qualifications

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

• Have a Bachelor’s in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related technical field, with a strong academic record.


• Have excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and have worked successfully in a team environment.


• Are able to travel occasionally to attend meetings with our government partners and operational stakeholders.


• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level 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 will go above and beyond our minimal requirements if you…

• Have a Master’s in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, or a related technical field with a strong academic record.


• Have experience performing hands‑on laboratory research, including in internships


• Have classroom or professional experience performing data analysis and writing scientific reports


• Apply creativity, chemical knowledge, and laboratory experience to address concerns related to national defense, terrorism, and weapons of mass destruction

About Us

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 https://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 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 [e-mail].

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.

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$165,000 Annually