Research Chemist/Materials Scientist – Polymer Formulation

Core4ce Careers • Wpafb, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Core4ce is seeking a research scientist to join the Photonic Materials Branch at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Foundational Technologies Directorate, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. The contractor will design, synthesize, compound, and formulate polymeric materials and organic small molecules for next-generation functional material systems in defense and optical applications. The research focuses on establishing structure–property–processing relationships, optimizing additive and resin packages, tuning cure kinetics and rheological properties, and tailoring material performance to functional operating environments.

The role is part of an active interdisciplinary team of synthetic chemists, nanomaterial specialists, and processing engineers, with collaboration across government, academia, and industry. The scientist will help formulate research objectives and work plans, review experimental designs, analyze and communicate findings, contribute to peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, and mentor junior researchers. Responsibilities may evolve to meet business needs and support individual growth. The work includes laboratory and office settings, adherence to environmental, health, and safety procedures, and approximately 10% travel, mostly within the continental United States.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Applicants selected may undergo a government security investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain eligibility for access to a classified environment and sensitive technical data, including a DoD Secret clearance.
• Ph.D., M.S., or equivalent in Chemistry, Polymer Science & Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related physical science or engineering discipline.
• At least 3 years of post-degree or relevant hands-on laboratory experience in polymer synthesis, formulation development, and materials characterization is preferred.
• Ability to work in a chemical laboratory environment while following rigorous environmental health and safety protocols.
• Ability to work in an office setting using standard computer workstations.
• Ability to lift and carry laboratory supplies and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel approximately 10% to conferences, program reviews, customer meetings, or partner facilities; most or all travel will be within the continental United States.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience developing, mixing, and optimizing multi-component polymer formulations, resin matrices, reactive blends, or photocurable systems.
• Knowledge of functional organic small molecules, crosslinkers, initiators, catalysts, and plasticizers or fillers used in advanced polymer formulation.
• Familiarity with synthesis and formulation of specialized polymer backbones, such as polysiloxanes, acrylics, epoxies, or conjugated systems.
• Proficiency in synthetic separations and purification, including column chromatography, distillation, recrystallization, extraction, and precipitation.
• Strong working knowledge of DSC, TGA, DMA, and rheology.
• Spectroscopic and structural analysis skills using 1H/13C NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis/NIR, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy.
• Experience with SEM and SAXS/WAXS for microstructural and morphological characterization.
• Experience with automated liquid-handling robotics, such as Hamilton Microlab STAR platforms, for formulation compounding, pipetting, and dispensing.
• Familiarity with automated solid or powder dispensing systems, such as Trajan CHRONECT XPR automated balance systems.
• Experience with automated or in-line photocuring or photopolymerization stations and automated heater/shaker reaction arrays.
• Familiarity with CAD software and 3D printing for designing custom reaction ware, well fixtures, and sample holders.
• Exposure to high-throughput characterization tools, such as microplate optical/luminescence readers, automated powder XRD with sample changers, or hyperspectral imaging.
• Data analysis and workflow scripting skills, such as Python scripting for batch data reduction, curve fitting, baseline correction, or LIMS integration.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Ability to communicate technical methodologies and data effectively to diverse scientific teams and program sponsors.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of an integrated, multidisciplinary research team.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring junior scientists, students, or laboratory technicians.
• Proficiency with standard office and productivity suites, including Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and Teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute research programs focused on advanced polymer formulations and functional material systems for defense and optical applications.
• Synthesize, compound, and optimize polymeric materials, organic small molecules, resin matrices, reactive blends, and photocurable systems.
• Develop formulations using crosslinkers, initiators, catalysts, plasticizers, fillers, and other functional additives.
• Synthesize and formulate specialized polymer backbones, including polysiloxanes, acrylics, epoxies, and conjugated polymers.
• Perform chemical separations and purifications using chromatography, distillation, recrystallization, extraction, and precipitation.
• Establish structure–property–processing relationships for advanced polymer systems.
• Optimize additive and resin packages, cure kinetics, rheological behavior, and processing conditions.
• Tailor formulation performance to functional operating environments and application requirements.
• Plan and execute experimental designs, define research objectives, and develop technical work plans.
• Conduct thermal and mechanical characterization using DSC, TGA, DMA, and rheology.
• Perform spectroscopic and structural analyses using NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis/NIR, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy.
• Evaluate material morphology and microstructure using SEM and SAXS/WAXS.
• Analyze experimental data, identify trends, troubleshoot technical issues, and recommend formulation or processing improvements.
• Develop and implement automated synthesis, formulation, curing, and high-throughput screening workflows.
• Operate liquid-handling robotics, automated powder-dispensing systems, photocuring stations, and automated reaction arrays, as applicable.
• Design custom reaction vessels, fixtures, and sample holders using CAD software and 3D printing.
• Support high-throughput characterization with automated optical, X-ray diffraction, imaging, and other analytical platforms.
• Write scripts, including Python-based workflows, for data reduction, curve fitting, baseline correction, and LIMS integration.
• Maintain laboratory records, experimental protocols, formulation databases, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with research teams and partners from government organizations, academic institutions, and industry.
• Communicate technical methods, results, and recommendations to research teams, program sponsors, and customers.
• Prepare manuscripts, technical presentations, conference materials, and program review briefings.
• Present findings at technical conferences, customer meetings, and partner reviews.
• Mentor junior scientists, students, and laboratory technicians in polymer synthesis, formulation, characterization, and laboratory practices.
• Follow laboratory environmental, health, and safety procedures and comply with applicable government and facility requirements.
• Safely handle chemicals, laboratory equipment, and materials in laboratory and office environments.
• Travel to conferences, program reviews, customer meetings, and partner facilities as required.

Benefits

• 401(k) with 100% company match on the first 6% deferred, with immediate vesting.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with the employee portion paid 100% by Core4ce.
• Unlimited access to training and certifications, with no preset cap on eligible professional development.
• Tuition assistance for job-related degrees and courses.
• Paid parental leave.
• PTO that grows with tenure.
• Generous holiday schedules.
• The Forge provides employees the opportunity to propose innovations and pursue them with internal backing.

What This Job Offers

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