Synthesis Chemist – Staff Scientist

Company Description

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

$117,180- $148,068 Annually for the SES.1 level

$140,700 - $178,392 Annually for the SES.2 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Job Description

We have an opening for Synthesis Chemist to independently work on the synthesis and scale-up of novel energetic molecules and other technically challenging problems related to high explosives. You will be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for conducting and supporting research to design, synthesize, test, and evaluate explosive molecules and their precursors in support of the Laboratory’s national security mission. This position is in the Functional Materials Synthesis and Integration group within the Energetic Materials & Design (EMD) section of the Materials Science Division, supporting the Energetic Materials Center (EMC).

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

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will

• Design and conduct experiments related to high explosive/precursor synthesis and characterization.
• Provide synthesis support for the Joint Munitions Program and the High Explosives and Energetics program.
• Develop and present written analyses and verbal briefings that capture and communicate research results as well as periodic progress reports.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technical personnel to provide scientific support to various programmatic tasks and explosives research efforts with emphasis on chemistry of energetic materials.
• Perform general to moderately complex operations relating to synthetic chemistry including various synthetic methods (air-free, microwave, UV, continuous flow, high pressure, high temperature), reaction workup, purification, solubility determination, analytical (NMR, FTIR, MS, etc.) , and fulfill duties such as room responsibilities for work cells and bays.
• Keep an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook; generate, organize, and analyze experimental data; and participate in research planning.
• Provide solutions to fundamental problems of limited complexity related to the synthesis of explosives and their precursors.
• Conduct, coordinate, and document procedures and peer reviews.
• Perform work as an LLNL Explosives Handler, and routinely work hands-on with energetic materials of all types.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level

• Provide chemistry knowledge to resolve technical and programmatic issues.
• Perform independent technical tasks to provide solutions for a diverse range of moderately complex to complex issues.
• Select methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to obtain results based on analysis of multiple, largely identifiable factors.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s (BS) degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Fundamental knowledge and understanding of chemistry and materials science and demonstrated mechanical aptitude.
• Sufficient knowledge and preparative (multigram scale) hands on experience in multistep, synthetic organic chemistry.
• Ability to work effectively with an experimental team under conflicting and rigorous deadlines.
• Sufficient experience in design and performance of experiments, including knowledge of safety rules and procedures.
• Willingness to routinely work with explosives and obtaining and maintaining required qualification as an Explosives Handler.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis in a safe and controlled manner, climb a ladder, and wear a respirator as needed.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

• Broad experience conducting moderately complex to complex research in process characterization and optimization.
• Comprehensive knowledge of advanced synthetic techniques and methodologies in the formation of heterocyclic and/or caged compounds.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s (MS) degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience with explosive and precursor synthesis.
• Knowledge of LLNL programs in energetic materials or LLNL ES&H rules and regulations.

Additional Information

#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.

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