Job#: 3030053 Job Description: Material Scientist
Location: Seattle, Washington (Onsite)
Employment Type: Contract (initially 12 months with potential to extend)
Role Overview
We are seeking a researcher with expertise in materials chemistry to accelerate the discovery of sustainable materials. This role centers on hands-on experimental research, including designing and executing systematic studies in synthesis, characterization, and performance testing to identify high-performance material candidates. The position offers an opportunity to shape how emerging automation and AI tools are applied to accelerate materials discovery.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute experimental campaigns targeting catalysts, functional materials, or related sustainability-relevant chemistries across multivariate parameter spaces.
- Apply advanced analytical techniques such as XRD, XPS, SEM/TEM, BET, TGA, FTIR, MS, and electrochemical methods to evaluate material structure, composition, and properties.
- Develop and execute application-relevant testing protocols to evaluate material candidates against target performance metrics and benchmarks.
- Apply combinatorial or parallelized experimental methods to efficiently explore large design spaces while maintaining data quality.
- Partner with automation platforms and AI engineers to translate experimental expertise into workflows that benefit from automation and machine-guided decision-making.
Required Qualifications
Education: A PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field is required.
Experience: Candidates should have hands-on research experience in materials synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation, along with experience designing systematic experimental studies with rigorous documentation practices. A track record of peer-reviewed publications demonstrating independent research is also required.
Technical Skills: Proficiency with multiple analytical and characterization techniques is necessary. Working proficiency in Python or similar tools for data analysis is required. The ability to collaborate effectively across diverse, cross-functional teams is essential.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with high-throughput or combinatorial experimentation.
- Familiarity with laboratory automation platforms.
- Exposure to Bayesian optimization, active learning, or machine learning for experimental design.
Compensation & Benefits
The pay rate for this position is between $50.00 and $70.00 per hour. A benefits package is available to eligible employees.
This employer 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, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.
If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at or
Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.
Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.
Never miss an opportunity! Create an alert based on the job you applied for.