Job Opportunities: 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.

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.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.