Research Scientist - Physical Organic Chemistry and Materials Characterization

Worker Type

Regular

AV is seeking an entry-level Research Scientist to join our multidisciplinary team at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The Polymers and Responsive Materials Team is seeking a highly versatile and computationally-fluent scientist to work at the intersection of Physical Organic Chemistry and Materials Physics. This role is designed for a researcher who thrives on applying advanced analytical toolkits, ranging from AI/ML to advanced spectroscopy techniques, across a diverse portfolio of research initiatives.

As a key member of our lab, you will not be siloed into a single project. Instead, you will provide the digital-first characterization and mechanistic evaluation necessary to advance materials discovery for extreme environments, bio-inspired elastomers, and autonomous laboratory workflows.

You will drive the characterization and data-driven analysis for several high-impact research areas, including:

• Space Survivability:
  Investigating how extreme stressors, such as atomic oxygen and ionizing radiation, interact with and degrade organic surfaces.
• Hierarchical Materials:
  Mapping the nanostructure and self-assembly of peptide-based synthetic rubbers and hybrid polymers.
• Closed-Loop Discovery:
  Integrating laboratory hardware with AI/ML optimization to automate the discovery of resilient, functional materials.

• Advanced Spectroscopy:
  Use XPS, FTIR, and NMR to identify molecular-level degradation pathways.
• Structural Physics:
  Design and execute experiments at synchrotron facilities using Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS) to probe the morphology of soft matter.
• Digital Integration:
  Leverage Python to automate data processing from complex analytical instruments and implement AI/ML models for performance prediction.
• Mechanical Characterization:
  Correlate chemical changes with macro-scale performance through DMA, tensile testing, and rheological analysis.
• Hardware Innovation:
  Modify or build experimental hardware interfaces using open-source tools to enable automated, high-throughput characterization.

• This position requires working within a government facility and requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Education:
  
  MS or PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field with 0-1 years of experience.
• Digital Proficiency:
  Strong proficiency in Python for data analysis, modeling, or laboratory automation.
• Analytical Depth:
  Expertise in spectroscopy and a strong foundational understanding of physical organic chemistry or polymer physics.
• Experience with X-ray or neutron scattering (or a strong desire to lead beamline experiments), preferred.
• Familiarity with the physics of elastomers, rubbers, or soft matter, preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in Machine Learning or Bayesian optimization as applied to physical sciences, preferred.
• Understanding of polymer degradation mechanisms in response to oxidation or radiation, preferred.

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee.

Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. Aero Vironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

Principal only need apply. NO agencies please.