Principal Investigator - Polymer Chemistry

2w2 weeks ago

HRL Laboratories

Malibu, US · Full-time · $154,500 – $197,900

About this role

HRL Laboratories pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science, delivering transformative technologies for automotive, aerospace, and defense. As a private company owned jointly by Boeing and GM, HRL prioritizes purpose over profit, advancing the state of the art for over 70 years.

In this role, you will develop novel multifunctional polymers and nanostructured materials that address long-standing challenges in advanced applications. You will conceive, propose, and secure new research initiatives focused on cost-effective, scalable polymer systems and nanostructured materials.

You will design, build, test, simulate, and deliver multifunctional materials or subsystem components to demonstrate performance. This role emphasizes technical leadership, scientific originality, and program ownership, shaping a portfolio of high-impact efforts that advance next-generation materials.

You will guide funded programs, influence technical strategy, and mentor junior staff. Your work leverages digital manufacturing and scalable microfabrication techniques, operating at the intersection of fundamental science and applied engineering to transition novel materials into practical use.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field, with a focus on the design, synthesis, and application of polymer-based materials.
Demonstrated success in conceiving, writing, and securing competitive research proposals or funded programs.
Strong foundation in fundamental scientific research, with a proven ability to translate concepts into applied or industry-relevant outcomes.
Experience designing and synthesizing new polymer systems for mechanical, structural, and/or coatings applications, including transitioning technologies from benchtop research to manufacturing scale.
Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts, define research direction, and mentor or direct junior technical staff.
Record of high-quality scientific publications and impactful technical presentations.
Hands-on experience in synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry, with a strong understanding of reactive group chemistry.
Deep understanding of polymer chemistry and physics, including the ability to connect theoretical principles with chemical structure–property relationships.

Responsibilities

Develop novel, multifunctional polymers and nanostructured materials that address long-standing challenges in automotive, aerospace, and defense applications.
Conceive, propose, and secure new research initiatives focused on cost-effective, scalable, proof-of-concept polymer systems and nanostructured materials.
Design, build, test, simulate, and deliver multifunctional materials and/or subsystem components to demonstrate performance in advanced applications.
Provide technical leadership, scientific originality, and program ownership to shape a portfolio of high-impact efforts that advance next-generation materials.
Guide funded programs, influence technical strategy, and mentor junior staff.
Operate at the intersection of fundamental science and applied engineering, with a clear focus on transitioning novel materials into practical use.

Benefits

Purpose-driven work at a private company that prioritizes purpose over profit.
Opportunity to shape a portfolio of high-impact efforts advancing next-generation materials.
Access to a rich portfolio of scientific discoveries and engineering innovations spanning over 70 years.
Work on transformative technologies for automotive, aerospace, and defense applications.