Research Chemist - Autonomous Discovery of Organic Materials

AeroVironment • Bath Township, OH

12d

About The Position

AV has an opportunity available for Research Chemist that will be an integral member of the Polymers and Responsive Materials Team. The primary responsibilities include designing, synthesizing, and characterizing novel functional organic polymers and materials using advanced digital chemistry approaches. This will involve parallelized or high-throughput experimentation, automated materials science, and data-driven optimization, utilizing both conventional synthetic methods and machine learning-driven approaches. Specific emphasis will be placed on flow chemistry and robotic platforms. Experience integrating open-source hardware with advanced characterization techniques is essential, including automated spectroscopic methods (e.g., FTIR, UV-Vis, NMR), chromatographic techniques (e.g., GPC, HPLC), and mechanical property analysis (e.g., tensile testing, rheology). Emphasis areas include developing novel synthesis/test strategies for functional organic polymers and materials, implementing high-throughput characterization techniques, and applying AI/ML and optimization algorithms to predict performance and optimize synthetic pathways. A background in organic polymer synthesis, materials characterization, and data-driven materials research is preferred. Familiarity with AI/ML models, optimization algorithms, and a willingness to learn programming languages such as Python is also desirable.

Requirements

• This position will involve working within a government facility and requires U.S. Citizenship.
• M.S. or PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field of study required.
• Experience level: 0-2 years after graduation
• Python programming (entry level+)
• Advanced data visualization techniques
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to learn and develop new approaches and techniques
• 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 must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR 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.

Nice To Haves

• A background in organic polymer synthesis, materials characterization, and data-driven materials research is preferred.
• Familiarity with AI/ML models, optimization algorithms, and a willingness to learn programming languages such as Python is also desirable.

Responsibilities

• Building experimental hardware using open-source software and projects.
• Characterizing polymer and nanomaterial properties through techniques such as GPC, NMR, DMA, tensile testing, FTIR, and AFM.
• Incorporating AI/ML models to optimize material synthesis and performance prediction.
• Applying a deep understanding of polymer chemistry, nanomaterials, and machine learning to advance the development of innovative, resilient materials.

Benefits

• AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.
• For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.
• We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level