Research Chemist at HRL Laboratories

Malibu, California, United States

HRL Laboratories Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Junior (1 to 2 years), Mid-level (3 to 4 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Nanotechnology, Materials Science, ResearchIndustries

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field
  • Experience with good lab practices (documentation, safety procedures)
  • Experience in a wet chemistry lab environment and synthesizing chemical compounds in a research environment (desired)
  • Experience formulating and/or compounding of commercial products and associated characterization (desired)
  • Experience with the use of computer software for data storage, organization, and analysis (desired)
  • Understanding of organic and polymer chemistry and some inorganic chemistry and physics
  • Knowledge of chemical analysis, thermal analysis, optical characterization, and basic computer skills (e.g., spreadsheets & word processing)
  • Experience with maintenance of lab equipment (desirable)
  • Ability to perform safely in a laboratory environment using materials synthesis and analysis equipment
  • Good laboratory practice, ability to document and communicate results, and exercise safe handling of chemicals
  • U.S. Person Status (as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62)

Responsibilities

  • Perform chemical reactions and polymerizations at the benchtop and pilot-scale, working both independently and on a team
  • Set up and perform chemical synthesis reactions (organic, sol-gel, polymer, and organometallic chemistry)
  • Develop material processing to produce functional composites
  • Document, analyze, and report experimental results to the project manager
  • Operate analytical tools such as DSC, FTIR, UV-VIS, SEM, and TGA and interpret the results
  • Maintain stocks and supplies
  • Monitor calibration status of lab instruments
  • Ensure overall laboratory upkeep

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

organic chemistrysol-gel chemistrypolymer chemistryorganometallic chemistryDSCFTIRUV-VISSEMTGAwet chemistrychemical synthesismaterial processingthermal analysisoptical characterizationgood lab practices

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for the Research Chemist position?

The base salary range for this full-time position is $99,705 - $124,683 + bonus + benefits.

Is this a remote position, or do I need to work on-site?

This is an on-site position requiring work at the Malibu site for 40 hours per week.

What skills are required for the Research Chemist role?

Required skills include experience with good lab practices (documentation, safety procedures), understanding of organic and polymer chemistry and some inorganic chemistry and physics, knowledge of chemical analysis, thermal analysis, optical characterization, and basic computer skills.

What does the team in the Scaled Nanotechnology department focus on?

The department focuses on developing new, multifunctional materials and coatings by controlling nano/micro-scale architecture to tailor properties, using scalable processes to mature technologies from discovery to commercial products.

What makes a strong candidate for this Research Chemist position?

A strong candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field, experience in wet chemistry labs synthesizing compounds, and the ability to perform chemical reactions, operate analytical tools like DSC, FTIR, SEM, and TGA, while working independently and on a team.

HRL Laboratories

Develops cognitive systems for human-machine collaboration

About HRL Laboratories

HRL Laboratories focuses on research and development of advanced cognitive systems and human-machine collaboration, enhancing human cognitive abilities through artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The company develops solutions like the ICArUS project, which improves machine interpretation of information, and the MEMES project, aimed at enhancing human memory. HRL operates on a project-based model, serving clients in defense and high-tech sectors by delivering customized solutions and licensing technologies. The goal is to lead in creating cognitive systems that improve the interaction between humans and machines.

Malibu, CaliforniaHeadquarters
1997Year Founded
$1.9MTotal Funding
GRANTCompany Stage
AI & Machine Learning, DefenseIndustries
501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
401(k) Company Match
Gym Membership
Paid Vacation

Risks

Competition in quantum technologies could challenge HRL's market position.
Rapid AI advancements by competitors may outpace HRL's cognitive systems projects.
Reliance on government contracts poses risks if funding priorities change.

Differentiation

HRL Laboratories excels in cognitive systems enhancing human-machine collaboration.
The company is a leader in AI-driven defense projects and autonomous systems.
HRL's MEMES project focuses on advanced memory enhancement technologies.

Upsides

Growing interest in neuromorphic computing aligns with HRL's cognitive systems focus.
Increased funding for AI-driven defense projects benefits HRL's autonomous systems work.
Energy-efficient data center trends support HRL's cooling system innovations.

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