Research Chemist

Astrion; California (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion seeks a Research Chemist for the RAPTR contract to advance rocket propulsion tech and interface with a highly respected Air Force customer workforce. The position is based at Edwards AFB, CA, on a full-time schedule with travel potential for conferences and collaborations.

The ideal candidate has a chemistry background, lab bench experience, and hands-on organic synthesis skills, and can work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while maintaining safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, biochemistry, or other related scientific field.
• Experience working in a lab environment, such as bench work during two semesters of a lab class.
• Knowledge of organic chemistry including wet laboratory practices.
• Understanding of traditional and contemporary organic synthesis techniques.
• Good mechanical acumen.
• Problem solving, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Comfort with energetic materials and hazardous chemicals.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide support in the synthesis of energetic materials including sample processing and analysis.
• Support daily laboratory operations such as preparing stock solutions, disposing of hazardous materials, and monitoring/replenishing inventory.
• Operate related analytical instrumentation and software including NMR spectroscopy.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe lab environment/workspace and adhere to safety requirements.
• Learn new techniques and technologies as appropriate.
• Coordinate with other lab personnel to ensure current priorities and daily plan of action.

Skills

Organic Chemistry

Laboratory Skills

Analytical Skills

Safety Awareness

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or related field

Job description

Research Chemist

LOCATION: Air Force Research Laboratory. AFRL Propulsion Directorate. Mercury Blvd Edwards AFB, CA

Salary Range: $55k-$76k

JOB STATUS: Full-time

TRAVEL: Optional, but typically 1-2 weeks per year for conferences, collaboration, etc.

Overview

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Research Chemist to join our RAPTR contract. Their efforts will support the advancement of the state-of-the-art in rocket propulsion technology, and this role requires interfacing with a Highly Respected Air Force Science customer workforce and working in a team environment together with other technical professionals and scientific researchers.

Required Qualifications / Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, biochemistry, or other related scientific field.
• Experience working in a lab environment, such as experience in a laboratory bench setting during two semesters of a lab class.
• Must have good knowledge and hands-on experience in organic chemistry including general wet laboratory practices.
• Must have a comprehensive understanding of traditional and contemporary organic synthesis techniques.
• Must have good mechanical acumen.
• Must have good problem solving, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Must be comfortable working with energetic materials and hazardous chemicals.
• Must be a United States Citizen and be able to obtain a Security Clearance

Desired Qualifications / Skills

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Strong willingness to learn and master new tools and skills.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols and procedures
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Able to adjust workload based on changing priorities
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and the ability to learn new software

Responsibilities

• Provide support in the synthesis of energetic materials including sample processing and analysis.
• Provide support in daily laboratory operations such as preparing stock solutions, disposing of hazardous materials properly, monitoring and replenishing inventory of laboratory supplies.
• Operate related analytical instrumentation and software including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe lab environment/workspace and adhere to laboratory and chemical safety requirements
• Learn new techniques and technologies as appropriate
• Coordinate with other lab personnel to ensure current priorities and daily plan of action.