Materials and Analytical Chemist - Staff Scientist bei LLNL

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$140,700 - $178,392 annually

We have an opening for a Materials and Analytical Chemist to participate in diverse research in the areas of analytical chemistry and polymer/materials synthesis, including analysis of materials for national security applications. You will actively support and be expected to participate in and be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for conducting and supporting research in basic and applied science for national security and carbon dioxide capture and conversion. This position is in the Materials, Energy, and Carbon Security group in the Materials for Emerging Applications & Extreme Conditions section of the Materials Science Division.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will 

• Characterize the chemical and physical properties of polymers exposed to various service conditions using nuclear magnetic resonance and other techniques.
• Synthesize and prepare materials for use in carbon dioxide capture and conversion systems and evaluate their performance.
• Interact with a wide spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory to enhance the applications of ceramic and composite materials.
• Collaborate with scientists in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals and provide solutions to problems with limited complexity.
• Participate in the conception and design of moderately complex to complex new experiments to execute research to address defined problems within the scope of LLNL interests.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook; generate, organize, and analyze experimental data; and participate in research and project planning.
• Document research and provide results for presentation within the DOE community and at conferences.
• Prepare written analyses, verbal briefings, and other products that capture and communicate research results.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship
• MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or in a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Practical experience in designing experiments for and operating solution- and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance instruments and knowledge in analyzing nuclear magnetic resonance data.
• Experience with conducting research in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and relaxometry of a variety of heteroatom-containing polymers, including fluoropolymers, polysiloxanes, and ionomers.
• Experience in assembly and testing of electrolyzers.
• Experience in developing protocols for accelerated aging testing of polymers and other materials.
• Proficiency in verbal and written communication as reflected by effective presentations at seminars, meetings and/or teaching lectures.
• The willingness and ability to work independently, and to collaborate on multidisciplinary teams as required to reach research goals.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in multi-quantum magic-angle spinning solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
• Experience identifying and recommending solutions to fundamental problems using initiative and creativity.
• Willingness and ability to provide data for proposals to gain funding for either feasibility or long-term studies.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.  If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.