Principal Investigator - Polymer Chemistry

5d5 days ago

HRL Laboratories

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

About this role

HRL Laboratories pioneers next frontiers in physical and information science, delivering transformative technologies for automotive, aerospace, and defense. The Principal Investigator in Polymer Chemistry advances critical structural and functional materials enabling precision navigation, quantum technologies, and extreme-environment performance. Expertise spans design through deployment with scalable solutions.

Develop novel multifunctional polymers and nanostructured materials addressing challenges in automotive, aerospace, and defense applications. Conceive, propose, and secure research initiatives for cost-effective, scalable proof-of-concept systems. Design, build, test, simulate, and deliver materials or subsystem components demonstrating advanced application performance.

Operate within interdisciplinary teams leveraging digital manufacturing and microfabrication techniques. Guide funded programs, influence technical strategy, and mentor junior staff. Emphasize technical leadership, scientific originality, and program ownership to shape high-impact efforts.

Transition novel materials from benchtop to manufacturing scale, connecting fundamental science with applied engineering. Originate innovative concepts through validated outcomes. Communicate complex technical concepts via presentations, proposals, and publications to diverse audiences.

Requirements

Demonstrated success in conceiving, writing, and securing competitive research proposals or funded programs
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
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
Hands-on experience in synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry, with a strong understanding of reactive group chemistry
Deep understanding of polymer chemistry and physics
Record of high-quality scientific publications and impactful technical presentations

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 advancing next-generation materials
Guide funded programs, influence technical strategy, and mentor junior staff