Chemist

Battelle Memorial Institute; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedule

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Tuition assistance

401(k) retirement savings plan

Job summary

Battelle Memorial Institute is hiring a Chemist to support its Advanced Materials and Energetics Group in Columbus, Ohio. The role involves conducting laboratory experiments, synthesizing and characterizing polymeric materials, and maintaining detailed documentation of procedures and results.

The ideal candidate will hold a B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry and have experience in polymer synthesis or laboratory work. Battelle offers a flexible work environment with comprehensive benefits, aimed at ensuring work-life balance and career growth.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of polymerization techniques and characterization.
• 0-2 years of relevant work experience.
• Ability to compile and summarize experimental results.

Responsibilities

• Support synthesis and characterization of polymer nanoparticles.
• Keep detailed laboratory documentation.
• Assist in designing experiments for improved methodology.

Skills

Synthesis of polymeric materials

Purification techniques

Analytical instrumentation

Laboratory documentation

Exceptional communication

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Mass Spectrometry

Dynamic Light Scattering

Job description

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

Battelle’s Advanced Materials and Energetics Group is seeking to hire a Chemist. The selected candidate will be expected to conduct laboratory experimentation, data compilation and analysis, and literature searches under the guidance of a senior scientist. The selected candidate will support the synthesis, purification, modification, and characterization of a broad range of small molecules, particularly polymerizable monomers with designed molecular structures, as well as polymerization of these monomers using various polymerization techniques. The successful individual will demonstrate attention to detail, diligent laboratory safety discipline, and high aptitude in execution of organic synthesis, purification, and polymerization.

Responsibilities

The Chemist will support Battelle’s Advanced Materials and Energetics team members in polymer nanoparticle synthesis, purification, characterization, and data analysis for a variety of applications. The selected candidate will:

• Polymerize monomers using controlled living polymerization techniques.
• Purify the products of synthesis reactions.
• Characterize the products of chemical reactions using analytical instrumentation including, but not limited to, dynamic light scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis.
• Contribute to design, development, and maintenance of novel high-throughput synthesis and characterization processes.
• Execute novel conjugation chemistry schemes to modify monomers and/or polymers.
• Assist in designing experiments resulting in improved synthetic methods to produce novel targeted small molecular monomers.
• Keep detailed laboratory documentation related to process steps, observations, and results.
• Support periodic status reports summarizing procedures, protocols, and experimental data.
• Assist in the interpretation of results and writing of small sections of technical reports.
• Maintain a safe, well-stocked and clean laboratory.
• Complete assigned project work within schedule and budget constraints.
• Assist with the development of SOPs and continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to internal research and development studies.
• Build relationships with internal clients, as needed.
• Assist with proposal efforts, as needed.
• Support business development efforts led by others.
• Perform other duties as required.

Key Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 0-2 years of relevant work experience
• Experience with synthesis, purification, and characterization of polymeric materials, biomaterials, and/or nanoparticles.
• Good laboratory and documentation skills.
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to produce detailed experimental procedures.
• Ability to summarize results in spreadsheets, written reports, and presentation formats.
• Experience with conducting laboratory work and searching technical literature is required.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Ability and willingness to submit to a background check for obtaining clearances for classified government projects, if necessary, to support project objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of chromatography, polymerization techniques, and use of appropriate analytical instruments to characterize compounds, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, light scattering, spectroscopy, and/or mass spectrometry.
• Working knowledge of theoretical and practical polymer chemistry and organic chemistry.
• Familiarity with ChemDraw or similar chemical notation program.
• Experience working with robotics, automation, and/or LIMS software.
• Experience working in a GLP environment.
• Research experience in a chemistry or chemical engineering setting to include experience with chemical handling.
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, and follow instructions.
• Ability to compile and clearly communicate information from numerous technical resources to support research objectives.
• Experience in engineering model development.
• Experience using computer programming to analyze complex data sets (e.g., Python, Matlab).

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

We care about your well‑being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule : Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge : You get paid time off to support work‑life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness : Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together : Coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future : Build financial stability with an industry‑leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education : Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world‑class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran‑status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers