2024 Graduate - Postdoctoral Physical Organic Chemist - Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Are you interested in applying chemistry to solve urgent problems in national security, and to advance healthcare?

Do you want a career that challenges you and affords opportunities for life-long learning?

If you are graduating with a PhD degree in physical-organic chemistry  we’d love to have you join our team!

We are hiring a postdoctoral fellow to conduct research in chemical reaction mechanisms for multiple applications. You will join a dedicated team of scientists who collaborate to develop molecular tools, sensors, and processing methods. We strive to foster an innovative, inclusive environment for generating bold research ideas. As a member of our team, you will work with physicists, engineers, chemists, and biologists to tackle critical problems for government sponsors in national security and health research.

As a Postdoctoral Physical Organic Chemist, you will….

• Pursue independent research involving
  chemical mechanisms, photoredox reactions, and inorganic catalysis.
  
• Study reaction kinetics and small molecule synthesis to develop novel materials.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team on a wide range of projects to develop fieldable tools.
• Develop proposals for original research.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry or a related field, and have strong analytical skills and a strong academic record.
  
• Possess a record of experience working to understand chemical reaction mechanisms
• Can demonstrate proficiency in wet chemistry and analytical techniques such as GCMS, HPLC, and NMR.
• Can show a record of creativity and problem-solving.
• Are able to travel occasionally to attend meetings with our government partners and operational stakeholders.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level 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 minimal requirements if you…

• Have designed and synthesized chemical sensors.
• Have studied catalytic reaction pathways.
  
• Have worked on solutions for national defense, counterterrorism, or counterproliferation.

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.