Research Chemist-Research Chemist - Materials Synthesis and Characterization

BlueHalo, an AV company, has an opportunity available for a Research Chemist who will be an integral member of the Polymers and Responsive Materials Team at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. AFRL consists of a multidisciplinary team of chemists, materials scientists, chemical engineers, and physicists working on new technologies for advanced defense applications. Primary responsibilities for this position include the synthesis, crystallization, and characterization of materials to enhance performance and introduce advanced functionalities. The position utilizes both conventional synthetic methods and machine learning-driven approaches for material design and optimization. Extensive experience with nanomaterial characterization techniques is essential, including X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) for crystal structure analysis, Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) for molecular weight analysis, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) for structural characterization, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) for viscoelastic profiling, tensile testing for mechanical properties, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for functional group identification, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for nanoscale surface characterization.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Synthesis
• Microgravity simulation for synthesis and crystal growth
• Characterizing nanomaterial properties through techniques such as XRD, GPC, NMR, DMA, tensile testing, FTIR, and AFM.
• Functionalizing nanomaterials to enhance mechanical, electrical, or chemical properties for specific applications.
• Incorporating AI/ML models to optimize material synthesis and performance prediction.
• Applying a deep understanding of chemistry, nanomaterial functionalization, and machine learning to advance the development of innovative, resilient materials.
• Knowledge of peptide-based materials preferred.

Qualifications:

• This position will involve working within a government facility and requires U.S. Citizenship.
• M.S. or PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field of study required
• Python programming (entry level+)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to learn and develop new approaches and techniques