Research Support Chemist

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration.

We have an exciting opportunity for aResearch Support Chemist to join our JETS II contract team at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX.

If selected you will:

• Work on Amentum JETS II contract in support of the Astromaterials Research & Exploration Science Directorate (ARES) at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) in the field of astromaterials and planetary science, while providing support for multiple laboratories and facilities within ARES
• Perform laboratory experiments, testing, and data collection within a research environment.
• Utilize contamination control and clean laboratory techniques.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments.
• Contributes to advancement of sample preparation methods for trace element and isotopic analysis.
• Support the development and optimization of ion chromatography methods in a clean laboratory setting.
• Support the development of new procedures for sample preparation and analyses of organic compounds
• Summarize, communicate, and report laboratory procedures and scientific results
• Actively participate in safety programs.
• Collaborate with internal and visiting researchers on experimental and analytical activities.
• Assist with laboratory maintenance, routine upkeep, and inventory management.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

• A BS degree is typically required.
• A BS or MS degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant technical discipline.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in general chemistry techniques including analytical, wet-bench, and/or organic
• Demonstrated hands-on experience conducting experiments, summarizing results, preparing technical reports for internal and external use.
• Experience working in a clean laboratory environment and following contamination-control procedures
• A working knowledge of chemical safety, including chemical compatibility, proper handling practices, and waste disposal protocols
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, along with strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is essential
• Ability to learn new laboratory procedures, techniques, and instrumentation as needed in a dynamic research environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with handling irreplaceable or limited-quantity samples is strongly preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify discrepancies, investigate out-of-specification results, and support corrective actions.
• Proven ability to independently develop & verify analytical methodologies.
• Familiarity with preparing samples for organic analyses.
• Experience with elemental and organics analysis using mass spectrometry is a plus.
• Experience with GC-MS data processing software

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Positive work-life balance
• 100% Employer paid insurance including: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Generous PTO
• 401k after 12 months of service with employer match
• Education assistance
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)

Mclaurin is a unique organization with a special focus on combining the best features of research and industry in order to foster innovation. Our organization strongly supports research, publication, and engagement with the academic community. We encourage our employees to remain on the cutting edge of new developments in their respective disciplines.

US Citizenship and the ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation is required.

Mclaurin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.