Research Scientist - 2D Polymer Chemist

Blue Halo, an AV company, has an opportunity available for a full‑time research scientist to work with the Polymer and Responsive Materials Research Team at Wright Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), OH. The successful candidate will join a team of diverse and multi‑disciplinary scientists with a broad range of skills including synthetic chemistry, nanomaterial development, mechanical engineering, and polymer modeling. The candidate will be responsible for the design and synthesis of 2D conjugated polymers, such as Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs), for optoelectronic applications.

Successful candidates must possess strong synthesis skills, specifically related to the preparation of low‑dimensional organic materials and conjugated polymers, as well as expertise in film fabrication. Furthermore, knowledge of and experience with a wide array of electrochemistry and optoelectronic characterization techniques are highly desired. The candidate will be expected to contribute to the thought leadership of the project and will have the opportunity to expand their skillset in a wide array of materials chemistry and engineering while refining their written and oral communication skills.

• Design, synthesis, and processing of conjugated polymers or COFs for optoelectronic materials
• Electrochemical and optoelectronic characterization of COFs or conjugated polymers
• Collaboration with other experts to further characterize and expand the applicability of synthetic platforms beyond the chemistry
• Communicate methodologies effectively both written and verbal to a community of peers
• Manage and mentor the research and professional development of junior team members

• This position is working within a government facility and requires US Citizenship (and may require the ability to obtain a security clearance).
• PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field of study required
• 0-3 years' experience
• Ability to understand and apply principles of organic polymer synthesis to develop next‑generation materials systems
• Strong quantitative and problem‑solving skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Willingness to collaborate and communicate with other scientists with professionally and personally diverse backgrounds
• Familiarity with productivity software suites (Microsoft Office, Google Suite) that are used for email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, cloud file sharing, and virtual meetings

• Familiarity with the synthesis and processing of COFs or conjugated polymers
• Electrochemical characterization skills (e.g., Cyclic Voltammetry, Spectro‑electrochemistry, etc.)
• Experience in characterization of crystalline porous materials (e.g., PXRD, Grazing incidence X‑ray, gas sorption, etc.)
• Knowledge and understanding of electronic‑structure theory of organic materials
• Design, synthesis, and characterization of organic molecules (e.g., NMR, FT‑IR, Mass Spec, UV‑Vis, PL, Raman, etc.)

PHD of Chemistry (required)

No Clearance (required)

Equal Opportunity Employer

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