Formulation Chemist

The mission of the Advanced Materials and Microsystems Group in the Advanced Technology Division is to research and develop a broad array of electronic, electro-optic, and RF materials and devices to develop leap-ahead capability in support of national security.  Our materials research enterprise spans the materials development cycle from computation and theory to growth, processing, and characterization, and complements RF, imager, and quantum computing technology development in the division.

Job Description The Advanced Materials and Microsystems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory seeks a technical staff to spearhead and grow the enterprise focused on organic/inorganic formulations for coatings, 3-D direct ink write printing, and microelectronics advanced packaging applications for critical national security applications. Related efforts include organic synthesis of new monomers, polymers, surfactants, binders and transition of those materials from exploratory research to repeatable lab-scale production.

Additional responsibilities will include the development of experimental methods as part of the AI-enabled rapid materials discovery team. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen and strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills. Occasional travel is required to meet with sponsors and participate in professional conferences.

Key Responsibilities Lead and conduct hands-on experimental research in formulations development, materials synthesis, processing, and characterization

Strong background in experimental characterization methods, such as spectroscopy and mass spectrometry Help develop and execute a strategic roadmap for the materials enterprise, aligning experimental research with national security priorities

Serve as a subject matter expert for the formulation and processing thrust of the AI-enabled rapid material discovery program

Define and propose new research and development opportunities with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry

Manage project timelines, budgets, and reporting to meet organizational and sponsor objectives

Lead, mentor, and participate in multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and collaboration

Write and publish technical reports, manuscripts, and proposals detailing research methods, findings, and strategic implications.

Required Qualifications

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or related field. Equivalent experience will be considered.

Demonstrated ability to create, fabricate, and analyze formulations for specific applications and use cases Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and build teams

Active or eligible to obtain a Secret security clearance

Excellent oral and written communications skills, including ability to communicate experimental results to experts and non-experts, government sponsors, and internal stakeholders

Strong interpersonal and leadership skills

Desired Skills Demonstrated ability to formulate complex coatings and engineer their composition-property relationships

Understanding of colloid science, rheology, adhesion, and surface modifiers in a broad set of coating and substrate systems

Expertise in synthesis of new monomers, polymers, surfactants, binders and transition of those materials from exploratory research to repeatable lab-scale production

Expertise in 3-D direct ink write printing formulation across a broad set of materials

Development of new materials for microelectronics advanced packaging applications

Understanding of effect of radiation on materials with applications to radiation shielding of microelectronics

Familiarity with computational materials science with linkage to experimental methods

Experience in successfully guiding and leading interdisciplinary technical programs

Experience defining and executing technology roadmaps

Six or more years of post-graduate experience as an experimental materials researcher

Expertise outside the named disciplines will be considered for exceptional candidates

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200-$170,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200-$220,000

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—but not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, skills and…