Research Chemists, Organic or Materials

SRI International's, Space & Survivability lab, within the Advanced Technology and Systems Division (ATSD), has immediate full-time openings for enthusiastic, Research Chemists - Early Career and Senior level, Organic/Materials Chemistry at our Menlo Park, CA headquarters, to make leading contributions to new, on-going and future programs in cutting edge materials development.

Within the Space & Survivability lab, the Energetic Materials group, has new projects for a team-based professional. The Research Chemists will be involved with the discovery and synthesis of novel materials for a variety of applications in the areas of energetic materials, energy storage, organic electronics, and novel therapeutics for homeland security. The successful candidate will join our group to solve interesting and relevant problems in areas funded primarily through DoD contract research.

Highlights:

Exploratory organic synthesis of novel materials for specific applications of interest to government and commercial contract funding organizations
• Synthesis of materials by batch and flow chemistry techniques; reaction optimization facilitated by in-line reaction monitoring and design of experiment (DOE)
• Purification of materials using analytical/preparative separation procedures (crystallization, normal phase and reverse-phase chromatography)
• Structural verification using spectroscopic methods for small molecule analysis (NMR, IR, UV, MS and X-ray)
• Work effectively with a highly integrated team on very interesting and challenging materials-based problems
• Writing reports to current clients and proposals to secure future funding from government and commercial clients
• Leadership roles are available for small to large programs

• PhD in Organic or Materials Chemistry with 0-4+ years' experience
• US Citizenship with the ability to obtain or maintain a government security clearance is required
• Active Secret desired
• Demonstrated technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration, and independent innovation are required

Desired:

• Synthesis experience in one or more of the following areas: nitration/oxidation methodology, heterocyclic chemistry and novel polymeric materials; willing to work with energetic molecules and their formulations
• Electrochemical and photochemical approaches to solve synthesis problems
• Expert knowledge of a diverse tool set including: advanced manufacturing techniques, continuous flow synthesis, process chemistry, contemporary (green) synthesis approaches and knowledge of a variety of modern methods of characterization and purification techniques.

The salary range is: $109,590-$208,160. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/.

SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.