Computational Polymer Scientist

Computational Polymer Scientist/Research Scientist

Aero Vironment, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled and self-motivated Computational Polymer Scientist/Research Scientist to join our collaborative, multidisciplinary team supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

In this role, you will perform theoretical and computational research on the dynamics and rheology of covalent adaptable polymer networks tailored for critical Department of War (DoW) applications. You will work at the interface of chemistry, physics, and computer science, collaborating closely with leading experimentalists and academic partners to translate molecular-level design into macroscopic material predictions.

Key Responsibilities

• Scientific Research:
  Conduct independent research investigating the structural dynamics, viscoelasticity, and rheological properties of dynamic, covalent adaptable networks.
• Code Development:
  Develop and implement custom Python-based software and algorithms for GPU-accelerated rheology predictions.
• Simulation & Modeling:
  Utilize advanced molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and theoretical polymer physics frameworks to model network behavior.
• Collaboration:
  
  Act as the primary computational liaison, coordinating closely with experimental chemists, materials scientists, and academic collaborators.
• Project Communication:
  Drive project milestones, present findings to stakeholders, and draft high-quality technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.

Required Qualifications

• This position involves working within a government facility and requires U.S. Citizenship
• Education:
  
  Doctorate (PhD) in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a closely related field.
• Technical
  
  Experience:
  
  Theoretical background in polymer physics and polymer networks.
• Computational
  
  Experience:
  
  Hands-on experience executing and analyzing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
• Programming
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong programming proficiency in Python for code development.
• Professional Capabilities:
  Demonstrated PhD-level critical problem-solving skills and a proven track record of research via publications.
• Communication:
  Excellent communication skills for active cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GPU-accelerated computing frameworks (e.g., CUDA, CuPy, or GPU-enabled LAMMPS).
• Familiarity with standard molecular dynamics packages (e.g., LAMMPS, GROMACS, HOOMD-blue, ESPResSo).
• Prior experience modeling dynamic/reversible covalent chemistries (such as vitrimers or self-healing polymers).

ITAR Requirement:

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.

See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.