Chemist

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

RTI International’s Technology Advancement & Commercialization (TAC) Exposure & Protection Group is seeking a full-time Chemist to join our dynamic and collaborative research team. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful, laboratory-based research and development efforts across a range of innovative projects.

As part of one of the world’s leading research institutes, you will work at the intersection of biomedical engineering, aerosol science, and human health , gaining hands-on experience and broad exposure to cutting-edge technologies. In addition to laboratory work, this role provides opportunities to engage with the broader RTI research community, contribute to scientific publications and presentations, and develop an understanding of research funding and client-driven project development.

In this role, you will provide critical support for a variety of laboratory operations and research activities. A core responsibility will be weighing filters in a clean room environment, adhering strictly to established protocols to ensure precision and consistency. You will also assist in managing data entry and analysis using Microsoft Office tools, web-based platforms, and specialized software, ensuring accurate documentation of experimental results and observations.

Your day-to-day work will include supporting research experiments, recording measurements, and contributing to the overall success of ongoing projects. Maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of lab spaces—including clean rooms and equipment—will be essential, as will helping to manage inventory by ordering and stocking necessary materials and supplies. Overall, your contributions will help ensure smooth lab operations and the timely execution of project goals.

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented team member with the following:

• A Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, environmental science, electrical engineering, physics, or a related scientific or engineering discipline

• Conducting research to characterize the composition and toxicity of tobacco product smoke.
• Skilled in operation of tobacco product smoking machines

• Experience using a microbalance in a laboratory or clean room setting

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including use of VBA for data handling and automation

• Familiarity with laboratory practices involving bench chemistry, device testing, or analytical instrumentation

• Excellent communication skills—both verbal and written—with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

• Capacity to work independently and follow detailed protocols accurately

• A minimum of 1 to 3 years of laboratory, industrial, or research experience is preferred

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.