Research Chemist/Materials Scientist – Polymer Formulation

Core4ce • Bath Township, OH

2d • $90,000 - $100,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Photonic Materials Branch at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Foundational Technologies Directorate, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, is seeking a research scientist with expertise in polymer chemistry, polymer formulation, and materials characterization. The role is part of an active, interdisciplinary research team and is performed as a contractor position.

The successful candidate will design, synthesize, compound, and formulate polymeric materials and organic small molecules for next-generation functional material systems used in defense and optical applications. 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 candidate will collaborate with government, academic, and industry partners and with synthetic chemists, nanomaterial specialists, and processing engineers. The position includes opportunities to formulate research objectives and work plans, review experimental designs, co-author peer-reviewed publications, present at conferences, and mentor junior researchers. Responsibilities may evolve to meet business needs and support individual growth.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to a classified environment and sensitive technical data, including the ability to obtain and maintain 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.
• May travel approximately 10% to technical conferences, program reviews, customer meetings, or collaborative 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 purifications, such as column chromatography, distillation, recrystallization, extraction, and precipitation.
• Working knowledge of thermal and mechanical characterization techniques, including DSC, TGA, DMA, and rheology.
• Spectroscopic and structural analysis skills, including 1H and 13C NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis/NIR spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy.
• Microstructural and morphological characterization experience, including SEM and SAXS/WAXS.
• 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 using automated or in-line photocuring or photopolymerization stations and automated heater/shaker reaction arrays.
• Familiarity with CAD software and 3D printing to design custom reaction ware, well fixtures, and sample holders for high-throughput workflows.
• Exposure to high-throughput characterization tools, such as microplate optical or 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, evidenced by 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 both independently and as part of an integrated, multidisciplinary research team.
• Demonstrated track record of 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 and refine formulations incorporating 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 polymer formulation performance for specific functional operating environments and application requirements.
• Plan and execute experimental designs, formulate 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 techniques.
• 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 using 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 accurate laboratory records, experimental protocols, formulation databases, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with synthetic chemists, nanomaterial specialists, processing engineers, government organizations, academic institutions, and industry partners.
• Communicate technical methods, results, and recommendations to research teams, program sponsors, and customers.
• Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical presentations, conference materials, and program review briefings.
• Present research findings at technical conferences, customer meetings, and collaborative 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 while working in laboratory and office environments.
• Support technical 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 pre-set 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 gives employees the chance to propose innovations and receive internal backing.

What This Job Offers

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