The Photonic Materials Branch at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Foundational Technologies Directorate at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) in Dayton, OH is seeking a qualified research scientist with expertise in polymer chemistry, polymer formulation, and materials characterization to join an active, interdisciplinary research team. 

The successful candidate will serve as a contractor responsible for carrying out the design, synthesis, compounding, and advanced formulation of polymeric materials and organic small molecules to develop next-generation functional material systems for defense and optical applications. The primary research effort focuses on establishing structure-property-processing relationships in advanced polymer formulations, optimizing additive and resin packages, tuning cure kinetics and rheological properties, and tailoring performance under functional operating environments. 

Working at AFRL provides a unique opportunity to solve critical, long-term technological challenges in an environment that strongly encourages collaboration across government, academic, and industry partners. The candidate will work alongside a diverse team of synthetic chemists, nanomaterial specialists, and processing engineers, with opportunities to formulate objectives and work plans, review experimental designs, co-author publications in peer-reviewed journals, present findings at conferences, and mentor junior researchers. 

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute research programs focused on advanced polymer formulations and functional material systems for defense and optical applications.
• Synthesize, compound, and optimize polymeric materials, organic small molecules, resin matrices, reactive blends, and photocurable systems.
• Develop and refine formulations incorporating crosslinkers, initiators, catalysts, plasticizers, fillers, and other functional additives.
• Synthesize and formulate specialized polymer backbones, including polysiloxanes, acrylics, epoxies, and conjugated polymers.
• Perform chemical separations and purifications using techniques such as chromatography, distillation, recrystallization, extraction, and precipitation.
• Establish structure–property–processing relationships for advanced polymer systems.
• Optimize additive and resin packages, cure kinetics, rheological behavior, and processing conditions.
• Tailor polymer formulation performance for specific functional operating environments and application requirements.
• Plan and execute experimental designs, formulate research objectives, and develop technical work plans.
• Conduct thermal and mechanical characterization using DSC, TGA, DMA, and rheology.
• Perform spectroscopic and structural analyses using NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis/NIR, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy.
• Evaluate material morphology and microstructure using SEM and SAXS/WAXS techniques.
• Analyze experimental data, identify trends, troubleshoot technical issues, and recommend formulation or processing improvements.
• Develop and implement automated synthesis, formulation, curing, and high-throughput screening workflows.
• Operate liquid-handling robotics, automated powder-dispensing systems, photocuring stations, and automated reaction arrays, as applicable.
• Design custom reaction vessels, fixtures, and sample holders using CAD software and 3D printing.
• Support high-throughput characterization using automated optical, X-ray diffraction, imaging, and other analytical platforms.
• Write scripts, including Python-based workflows, for data reduction, curve fitting, baseline correction, and LIMS integration.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, experimental protocols, formulation databases, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with synthetic chemists, nanomaterial specialists, processing engineers, government organizations, academic institutions, and industry partners.
• Communicate technical methods, results, and recommendations to research teams, program sponsors, and customers.
• Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical presentations, conference materials, and program review briefings.
• Present research findings at technical conferences, customer meetings, and collaborative partner reviews.
• Mentor junior scientists, students, and laboratory technicians in polymer synthesis, formulation, characterization, and laboratory practices.
• Follow laboratory environmental, health, and safety procedures and maintain compliance with applicable government and facility requirements.
• Safely handle chemicals, laboratory equipment, and materials while working in both laboratory and office environments.
• Support technical travel to conferences, program reviews, customer meetings, and partner facilities as required.

This position is designed to be flexible, with responsibilities evolving to meet business needs and enable individual growth.

Requirements: 

• Must be a US Citizen 
• Clearance: Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and may have to meet eligibility requirements for access to a classified environment and sensitive technical data (ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance). 
• Ph.D., M.S. or equivalent in Chemistry, Polymer Science & Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related physical science or engineering discipline. 
• At least 3 years of post-degree or relevant hands-on laboratory experience in polymer synthesis, formulation development, and materials characterization preferred. 
• Must be able to work in a chemical laboratory environment following rigorous environmental health and safety (EHS) protocols. 
• Must be able to work in an office setting utilizing standard computer workstations. 
• Must be able to lift and carry laboratory supplies and equipment up to 25 pounds. 
• May travel approximately 10% to technical conferences, program reviews, customer meetings, or collaborative partner facilities. Most or all travel will be CONUS (Continental United States). 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Hands-on experience developing, mixing, and optimizing multi-component polymer formulations, resin matrices, reactive blends, or photocurable systems. 
• Knowledge of functional organic small molecules, crosslinkers, initiators, catalysts, and plasticizers/fillers used in advanced polymer formulation. 
• Familiarity with the synthesis and formulation of specialized polymer backbones (e.g., polysiloxanes, acrylics, epoxies, or conjugated systems). 
• Proficiency in standard synthetic separations and purifications (e.g., column chromatography, distillation, recrystallization, extraction, precipitation). 
• Strong working knowledge of thermal and mechanical characterization techniques: Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), and Rheology. 
• Spectroscopic and structural analysis skills: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H,13C NMR), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Vis/NIR spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), and Raman spectroscopy. 
• Microstructural and morphological characterization experience, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Small-/Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS). 
• Experience with automated liquid handling robotics (e.g., Hamilton Microlab STAR platforms) for formulation compounding, pipetting, and dispensing. 
• Familiarity with automated solid/powder dispensing systems (e.g., Trajan CHRONECT XPR automated balance systems). 
• Experience using automated or in-line photocuring/photopolymerization stations and automated heater/shaker reaction arrays. 
• Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D printing to design custom reaction ware, well fixtures, and sample holders for high-throughput workflows. 
• Exposure to high-throughput characterization tools (e.g., microplate optical/luminescence readers, automated powder XRD with sample changers, or hyperspectral imaging). 
• Data analysis and workflow scripting skills (e.g., Python scripting) for batch data reduction, curve fitting, baseline correction, or integration with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). 
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and troubleshooting skills. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. 
• Ability to communicate technical methodologies and data effectively to diverse scientific teams and program sponsors. 
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of an integrated, multi-disciplinary research team. 
• Demonstrated track record of mentoring junior scientists, students, or laboratory technicians. 
• Proficiency with standard office and productivity suites (Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Teams). 

Why Work for Us?

Core4ce is a team of innovators, self-starters, and critical thinkers—driven by a shared mission to strengthen national security and advance warfighting outcomes.

We offer:

• 401(k) with 100% company match on the first 6% deferred, with immediate vesting
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage—employee portion paid 100% by Core4ce
• Unlimited access to training and certifications, with no pre-set cap on eligible professional development
• Tuition assistance for job-related degrees and courses
• Paid parental leave, PTO that grows with tenure, and generous holiday schedules
• Got a big idea? At Core4ce, The Forge gives every employee the chance to propose bold innovations and help bring them to life with internal backing.

Join us to build a career that matters—supported by a company that invests in you.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, veteran status, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

*Core4ce provides the listed pay range for this position as a general guideline only and not as a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final offers may take into account a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, job responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, market data alignment, any applicable collective bargaining agreement, and other legal requirements.