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Chemical Scientist

Idaho National Laboratory · Idaho Falls, Idaho

$79,344 – $162,732/yr

Posted September 30, 2026·Closes October 31, 2026

About the Role

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring multiple chemical scientists to drive innovations in chemical separations to support domestic critical materials production. These positions, housed within the Critical Minerals and Geothermal Energy Department, will work closely with a team of geologists, chemists, chemical engineers, materials scientists, and computational scientists to develop new beneficiation and separations technologies to unlock unconventional domestic critical material resources. A priority will be placed on candidates with a strong background in organic/inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, or materials chemistry with applications in critical material separations. The chosen candidates will be expected to contribute to the department’s thriving, externally-funded research portfolio, disseminate research results through technical presentations at conferences and high-impact peer-reviewed publications, and work closely with industry partners to deploy critical mineral and material production technologies at scale.

Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off. 

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities: 

  • Conduct research focused on the development of novel chemical and electrochemical separations to improve critical materials production. Work closely with other chemists, geologists, chemical engineers, and materials scientists to apply developed methods to novel feedstocks and integrate with upstream/downstream processing methods.
  • Contribute to the development of proposals and industry partnerships to secure funding.
  • Write peer-reviewed publications and technical reports and represent INL through programmatic and technical presentations to sponsors and peers at conferences and symposia. 
  • Other duties as assigned.
     

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Level 2: Master of Science degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science.
  • Level 3: Master of Science degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science and (2) years of related professional experience. 
  • Depending on assignment, may be required to be a US citizen and able to obtain and maintain a DOE Security Clearance.
     

The ideal candidate will possess:

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
     

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally move up to 50 pounds using carts/dollies to move equipment into place. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

  • The pay range for this position is: Level 2 ($79,344 - $162,732) / Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
  • Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

     

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