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2023 PhD Graduate - Materials Researcher/Chemist - R1A

Do you love uncovering the means behind how things work?
 
Are you motivated by inventing new materials and analyzing and predicting material failure in extreme environments?
 
Are you excited by applying your skills as a problem solver, innovator, and engineer to make meaningful contributions to the defense and national health fields?
 
Do you love working on diverse teams to apply your analytical skills to accelerate material development for a variety of applications?
 
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
 
Our team is seeking a PhD materials researcher/chemist to help us in the invention, processing, and characterization of new materials. As a member of our team, you will apply your strong background in engineering, laboratory testing, and data analysis to generate impactful solutions to our country's most important challenges. By joining our team of subject-matter-experts in material development you will have the opportunity to uncover structure-property relationships in additively manufactured metals, investigate the performance of coatings for extreme environments, characterize pioneering polymers, and more. In our group, your research will span fields, from synthesis of stimuli responsive polymers to inorganic coatings for thermal management; from novel wearable sensor technology to energy system development. We enable our team members to generate their own research ideas and publish their findings.
 
At APL, we strive to foster a collaborative environment with extraordinary knowledge that achieves groundbreaking impact. Our APL team values integrity and creative ideas that will ensure our nation's preeminence in the 21st century.
 
As a PhD materials researcher/chemist...
  • Your primary responsibility will be to perform experiments in the materials laboratory at the direction of a project manager and assist with the development of new materials via chemical synthesis, material characterization, and performance testing, both in the lab and in the field.
  • You will perform detailed data analytics and explain findings.
  • You will design novel alloy compositions and structures that exploit the processing pathway of rapid thermal gradients during additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy, plasma spray, and other novel manufacturing processes.
  • You will develop processes that build upon classical metallurgy and processing to advance research in modern metallic systems such as shape memory alloys, high entropy alloys, and refractory metal composites.
  • You will develop streamlined methods for materials characterization to understand the performance of pioneering materials in austere environments.
  • You will communicate daily with project teams and leadership on computational materials science work to support programmatic needs; participate in discussion of ideas, options, and approaches; and report work progress in both oral and written form.
  • You will design and complete independent R&D on materials and testing methods to further develop capabilities that impact the entire Applied Physics Lab.
 

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
  • Are comfortable working in a laboratory that frequently requires moving test fixtures weighing 20 pounds and traveling for remote testing, sponsor visits, conference attendance, and presentations.
  • Can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by their start date.
  • Are able to obtain an interim Secret level security clearance by your start date, and can ultimately 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. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have published research detailing your understanding of process-structure-property relationships.
  • Have knowledge of advanced multi-dimensional statistical data analysis and/or machine learning methods.
R1A
 
Why work at APL?
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 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 www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are 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 Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.