Senior Chemist

Description

Are you motivated by conceiving creative solutions to tough problems?

Are you searching for a role that leads to significant real-world impacts by applying your strengths in chemistry?

Are you passionate about collaborating with outstanding scientists and engineers to develop your own skills while contributing to critical challenges?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking an accomplished chemist to help develop innovative solutions to challenging national security problems through chemical synthesis, materials formulation, and characterization. You will apply your expertise in chemistry to conceive, develop, and execute independent research programs while contributing to multidisciplinary efforts across APL.

We are looking for an ambitious and creative researcher who is excited to pursue new scientific directions, develop innovative technical solutions, and contribute to both hands‑on laboratory research and technical leadership. You will have the opportunity to work across a broad range of research domains including synthetic chemistry, polymer science, coatings, electrochemistry, energy storage, inorganic chemistry, and advanced materials development.

In our group, researchers are encouraged to develop original research concepts, establish new technical capabilities, publish their findings in peer‑reviewed journals, and build collaborations across disciplines. Our team values scientific excellence, intellectual curiosity, and creative problem solving in pursuit of impactful solutions for our nation's most important challenges.

As a chemist on our team, you will…

• Lead and conduct innovative laboratory research involving chemical synthesis, materials formulation, characterization, and performance evaluation.
• Conceive, develop, and execute independent research efforts that address challenging technical problems relevant to national security.
• Design and perform experiments, analyze complex datasets, and communicate technical findings.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers to develop and transition new technologies.
• Develop technical concepts and contribute to proposal efforts that establish new research directions and capabilities.
• Publish research results in peer‑reviewed journals and present technical work at conferences, sponsor reviews, and professional meetings.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to the technical growth of the organization.
• Support field testing, laboratory experimentation, and technology demonstrations as required.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if…

• You possess a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• You have 3+ years of post‑doctoral, industrial, or government research experience.
• You have demonstrated experience conceiving, developing, and executing independent research projects.
• You have a strong record of peer‑reviewed publications demonstrating technical contributions in your field.
• You have experience developing and executing experimental research programs in a laboratory environment.
• You have expertise in one or more of the following areas: synthetic chemistry, polymer science, coatings, electrochemistry, energy storage, inorganic chemistry, or related fields.
• You have experience designing experiments, analyzing technical data, and communicating research findings through written reports and presentations.
• You have experience building productive collaborations within multidisciplinary research teams.
• You have contributed to technical proposal development or research planning activities.
• You are willing and able to carry out laboratory research and travel for field testing, sponsor visits, conference attendance, and presentations.
• You 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.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if…

• You have demonstrated experience serving as a Principal Investigator, Project Manager, or technical lead for research and development efforts.
• You have experience leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating technical activities across multiple disciplines.
• You have experience managing project budgets, schedules, and technical deliverables.
• You have a track record of developing successful technical proposals and securing research funding.
• You have established expertise in advanced materials for national security applications.
• You have experience mentoring junior researchers and helping develop technical staff.
• You have demonstrated external recognition through invited presentations, patents, professional service, or other indicators of technical leadership.

About Us

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

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 View email address on click.appcast.io.

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.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually