Analytical Chemist

Analytical Chemist

Are you excited by the idea of solving real-world problems through hands-on experimental chemistry?

Are you passionate about contributing to projects that span chemistry and engineering, applied to national missions?

If you have a background in analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related field and you thrive in a research laboratory setting, then we want you to join our chemistry group at APL!

We are seeking an Analytical Chemist to support and lead experimental investigations that span chemical characterization, formulation testing, environmental sampling, and novel analytical methods. You'll use state-of-the-art instrumentation and experimental techniques to generate the critical data needed to evaluate and transition chemical technologies and novel materials.

Our group supports a wide range of projects, from adhesive formulations and surface coatings to energetics, environmental assessments, and materials degradation. We pride ourselves on close collaboration, technical rigor, and direct impact on national security and environmental resilience challenges.

• Perform hands-on laboratory testing and characterization using analytical techniques such as gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC), and mass spectrometry (MS), as well as other spectroscopic and thermal analysis methods.
• Develop and optimize non-traditional analytical methods for sample characterization across a wide range of applications
• Analyze and interpret results, clearly communicate findings in technical reports and briefings.
• Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and ensure accurate data collection.
• Collaborate with chemists, materials scientists, and engineers across multidisciplinary projects.
• Support proposal efforts and contribute to the growth of analytical chemistry research efforts.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a B.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Have 5+ years of advanced experience with GC, LC, and MS techniques, including method development.
• Have experience with the maintenance of analytical instrumentation.
• Are comfortable in a laboratory environment and follow good laboratory practices.
• Communicate technical information clearly, both in writing and verbally.
• Are willing to support occasional travel for field work, sponsor meetings, or technical collaborations.
• Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have an M.S. in Chemistry, Chemical engineering, or related field.
• Are familiar with additional analytical instrumentation such as FTIR, UV-Vis, thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), or microscopy tools.
• Have contributed to technical publications, reports, or briefings.
• Have experience with proposal writing.
• Have worked on applied research programs with sponsors or interdisciplinary teams.

Minimum Rate $85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate $195,000 Annually