We have an opening for a Polymer R&D Scientist to conduct research in the following areas: I) research and development of new/modified engineering elastomers and elastomer resins, including materials for production by additive manufacturing (AM); II) research into the influence of age, environment, and manufacturing process conditions on the chemical structure and physical properties of engineering polymer materials. This position is in the Materials Science Division.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role you will

• Contribute to the research and development of new and/or modified applied polymer materials with a focus on rubbery elastomers, including development of candidate feedstocks for additive manufacturing of engineering elastomers, by such processes as direct-ink-write, fused-deposition modeling, selective laser sintering, or stereolithography.
• Characterize the chemical changes and degradations to engineering polymer materials, especially silicones, resulting from age, environment, and manufacturing process conditions.
• Collaborate on accelerated aging and lifetime prediction studies of engineering polymer materials.
• Serve as a primary technical point of contact for polymer material formulation, synthesis and processing for engineering applications.
• Conceive, design, and execute research to address defined problems and applications.
• Develop and present written analyses, verbal briefings, and other products that capture and communicate research results as well as periodic progress reports.
• Collaborate with scientists in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish program goals.
• Document research; publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and present results within the DOE community and at open conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Independently develop or lead development of new materials and/or feedstocks for additive manufacturing of engineering polymer materials.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for the synthesis, processing, and characterization of polymers for engineering applications.
• Serve as point of contact for accelerated aging and lifetime prediction studies of engineering polymer materials.