Polymer/Liquid Crystal Research Scientist

Azimuth Corporation is seeking a talented Polymer/Liquid Crystal Materials Research Scientistto join our WPAFB, OH team. The ideal candidate will support research efforts at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, joining a team focused on the development of soft matter based optical/electro-optical devices. Responsibilities for this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, directs and conducts in house and extramural research and development of materials technologies with an emphasis on functional applications with sufficient maturity to transition to the warfighter. These technologies are focused on controlling, manipulating and protecting against photonic energy for legacy, developmental and future Air Force system components.
• Development, testing, and evaluation of photonic materials derived from organic and biologically sourced materials.
• Responsible for the development and characterization of liquid crystal (LC) devices and long lifetime photonic materials.
• Fabrication of responsive LC devices as well as testing and evaluation of LC mixtures and devices.
• Participate in day-to-day materials lab operation, including prepping, conducting, and analyzing experiments as well as ancillary tasks - lab space and equipment care.
• Prepare presentations covering research plans, progress, and accomplishments for internal and external consumption including at relevant conferences (scientific reports for journal articles).
• Participation, possibly in both writing and review, in the bid and proposal process for Azimuth's strategic growth portfolio.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bio-Engineering, or similar discipline.
• Published scientific journal articles and experience participating in scientific conference presentations/posters.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills across team and individual contributor settings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams.
• Experience with the following:
  • Organic/polymer materials processing
  • UV-Vis Spectroscopy
  • Thermal Characterization Techniques
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with lab equipment design, setup, use, maintenance and repair.
• Familiarity with automation methods for research processes.
• Experience with Substrate Fabrication Techniques:
  • Spin Coating
  • Dip Coating
  • Blade Casting
  • Liquid Crystal Device Fabrication

Physical Requirements / Travel

• May require lifting up to 25 pounds
• Requires visual and dexterous acuity to perform small scale scientific experiments, operate lab tools and equipment.
• Must be able to work in a lab environment that includes high power lasers.
• May travel ~10% to conferences, program reviews, industry meetings, or other collaborative events. Most or all travel would be CONUS.

Company Overview
Azimuth is an award-winning Woman Owned Small Business specializing in providing research and development and professional services support to the federal government. Azimuth's agility, customer driven approach and our commitment to our employees allows us to meet and exceed our client goals. Excellence, Integrity, Accountability, Community and Humility are the core values of Azimuth as we continue to strive as a recognized leader in the management consulting community that both federal agencies and industry partners value doing business with. We are an organization that offers both our employees and clients an exceptional experience; our culture will be contagious, while always maintaining a genuine reputation.
Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Azimuth Corporation does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.