Chemist II

Battelle; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 67,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Compressed work schedule

Hybrid work arrangement

Paid time off

Wellness benefits

401(k) matching

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Battelle, based in Columbus, OH, seeks a Chemist II to lead PFAS analytical chemistry projects across analytical, sampling, treatment, and destruction R&D efforts. The role emphasizes PFAS forensics, mass spectrometry, and publication-quality results for clients and conferences.

Located in Columbus, this full-time position requires leadership in project execution, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and travel to project sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Chemistry with 5 years lab/R&D experience; or Master’s with 2 years; or PhD in Analytical Chemistry.
• PFAS knowledge from coursework or graduate research.
• PFAS analytical methods, including EPA Methods 1633 and 1621.
• Experience with PFAS forensics, fingerprinting, or background evaluations.
• Experience with high-resolution mass spectrometry.
• Understanding of environmental fate, transport and treatment effectiveness studies.
• Experience with study design, data processing and interpretation of results.
• Knowledge of partitioning behavior of contaminants in environmental systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication; ability to present at conferences.

Responsibilities

• Present study results to project teams, clients, and at technical conferences.
• Lead bench- and lab-scale experiments under supervision, following safety procedures.
• Develop study designs to address research objectives.
• Prepare journal articles based on results and client deliverables.
• Provide support for PFAS forensics projects.
• Direct sample analysis and oversee data collection per QA/QC.
• Perform data analysis and interpretation of results.
• Prepare QAPPs and SOPs.
• Coordinate scientists and staff within time and budget constraints.

Skills

PFAS knowledge

PFAS analytical methods

High‑resolution mass spectrometry

Study design & data interpretation

PFAS forensics

R

Python

Mass spectrometry data analysis tools

Education

Bachelor’s in Chemistry or related field

Master’s in Chemistry

PhD in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

R

Python

Mass spectrometry data analysis tools

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

We are currently seeking a Chemist II. This position is a full‑time opportunity located in Columbus, OH.

Over the last eight years, Battelle has made a significant investment in the development of innovative technologies for per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This position will provide task leadership for the execution of research and client PFAS analytical chemistry project work.

The Environmental Solutions Division within the Environment & Agriculture Business Line conducts research, characterization, and remediation of environmental contamination, and designs and implements environmentally sustainable remedial technologies.

The selected individual will provide chemistry support for the development and deployment of innovative PFAS technologies, spanning analytical, sampling, treatment, and destruction research and development.

Responsibilities

As a Chemist, the selected individual will support complex and innovative chemistry projects to characterize contamination across a wide array of media and design and implement remedial systems to treat that contamination. Responsibilities may include:

• Presenting study results to project teams, clients, and at technical conferences
• Leading bench- and lab‑scale experiments under the direction of the lead Chemist, with strict adherence to safety procedures
• Developing study designs to address research objectives
• Developing journal articles based on technical results and participating in the preparation of written client deliverables
• Providing support for PFAS forensics projects
• Directing sample analysis and overseeing required data collection in accordance with quality control requirements
• Performing data analysis and interpretation of results
• Preparing Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Providing technical direction to and coordinating the efforts of scientists, engineers, and technical support staff within time and budget constraints

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field with 5 years of experience in a laboratory, R&D, or field environment; or a Master’s degree in Chemistry with 2 years of relevant experience; or a PhD in Analytical Chemistry
• Specific knowledge and experience with PFAS, including through undergraduate or graduate research
• Knowledge of PFAS analytical methods, including EPA Methods 1633 and 1621
• Experience identifying appropriate analysis methods, diagnosing problems, and developing and implementing innovative solutions to complex challenges
• Experience with PFAS forensics, fingerprinting, or background evaluations
• Experience with high-resolution mass spectrometry
• Understanding of scientific principles, theories, and methods for conducting environmental fate and transport and treatment effectiveness studies
• Experience with study design and execution of research projects, data processing, and interpretation of results
• Knowledge of partitioning behavior of contaminants in different environmental systems
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent Battelle or its clients at conferences or public forums
• Ability to work in office, laboratory, and/or field settings
• Travel to out-of-state project locations and conferences will be required
• Applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person, as defined by U.S. export control laws

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field with 10 years of experience in a laboratory, R&D, or field environment; or a Master’s degree in Chemistry with 5 years of relevant experience; or a PhD in Analytical Chemistry
• Knowledge of one or more of the following through coursework, internship, or graduate research: PFAS, remediation technologies, analytical chemistry, or high-resolution mass spectral methods
• Programming and statistical experience in R and/or Python
• Extensive experience using R for data processing, statistical analysis, visualization, and automated analysis workflows for large experimental datasets
• Experience applying statistics to analyze experimental and modeling data, including regression and nonlinear model fitting, multivariate analysis and clustering, parameter estimation, and uncertainty analysis
• Experience with modeling of PFAS transport and mass transfer
• Foundational quantitative background relevant to AI/ML applications
• Experience automating data analysis and modeling workflows using AI/ML, with a strong interest in expanding into ML/AI applications for environmental data, treatment evaluation, and predictive modeling

Compensation Data

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $66,500 – $94,800 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate’s salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

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.

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