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3D Printing Postdoc Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

3D Printing Postdoc information

What is a 3d printing postdoc?

A 3D Printing Postdoc is a researcher who has completed their doctoral studies and is engaged in advanced research related to 3D printing technologies. They typically work in academic, government, or industrial research settings, focusing on developing new materials, processes, or applications for additive manufacturing. Their responsibilities may include publishing research, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, mentoring students, and contributing to the advancement of 3D printing. This role is often a temporary position meant to further develop expertise and prepare for a faculty or industry research career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3d printing postdoc, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Printing Postdoc, you need advanced knowledge in materials science or engineering, a PhD in a relevant field, and strong research skills. Familiarity with additive manufacturing technologies, CAD software, and laboratory instrumentation is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and presenting research findings. These skills are essential for advancing innovative research, ensuring precise experimental outcomes, and contributing meaningfully to scientific progress in 3D printing.

What are some common challenges faced by a 3d printing postdoc, and how can they be addressed?

As a 3D Printing Postdoc, you may encounter challenges such as optimizing material properties for specific applications, troubleshooting hardware or software issues with advanced printers, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies in additive manufacturing. Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams—such as material scientists, engineers, and computer scientists—can help overcome technical hurdles and foster innovation. Staying engaged with the latest research, attending conferences, and participating in collaborative projects are effective strategies to stay current and address these challenges.

What is the difference between 3D Printing Postdoc vs 3D Printing Engineer?

Aspect3D Printing Postdoc3D Printing Engineer
CredentialsPhD in engineering, materials science, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in engineering, design, or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutionsIndustry, manufacturing, or R&D labs
ResponsibilitiesResearch, development, and academic publishingDesign, develop, and optimize 3D printing processes and products

The main difference is that a 3D Printing Postdoc focuses on research and academic contributions, often holding a PhD, while a 3D Printing Engineer applies practical skills in industry to develop and implement 3D printing solutions. Both roles require knowledge of 3D printing technologies but differ in scope and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to 3D Printing Postdoc jobs in Arizona?

For 3D Printing Postdoc jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Postdoctoral Research Associate I

Tucson, AZ • On-site


University of Arizona
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Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate I
Posting Number
req26413
Department
James C Wyant Coll Optical Sci
Department Website Link
https://optics.arizona.edu/
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
Advance groundbreaking research in polymer materials, optics, and 3D printing. The Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Polymer Materials under the guidance of Dr. Liang to develop organic and organic-inorganic hybrid polymeric materials with tailored optical properties and biocompatible photopolymers using advanced 3D printing technologies.
Be part of a globally recognized community of innovators. The University of Arizona Wyant College of Optical Sciences is dedicated to providing internationally preeminent education, research, and outreach in the science and application of light and your work can help shape what's next.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Develop novel photopolymer resins for two-photon polymerization (TPP) and vat photopolymerization, with control over optical and mechanical properties.
  • Design and evaluate biocompatible photopolymer formulations for 3D printing applications.
  • Establish correlations between material composition, processing parameters, and optical, mechanical, and biological performance.
  • Contribute to research project design and execution across optical and biomedical fabrication challenges.

Minimum Qualifications
  • A Ph.D. in chemistry, polymer science, materials science, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated expertise in monomer synthesis and photopolymer resin formulation.
  • Experience with material characterization techniques such as SEM, TGA, DSC, DMA, FTIR, and rheology, including biocompatibility assessment methods.
  • Strong grasp of polymer chemistry fundamentals and photoinitiation mechanisms.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with optical polymer design, including high-refractive-index or refractive index-tunable material systems.
  • Familiarity with sol-gel chemistry and organic-inorganic hybrid materials for optical or biomedical printing.
  • Experience with biocompatible hydrogel formulations (e.g., GelMA, PEGDA) and knowledge of ISO 10993 or USP Class VI standards.
  • Experience with photo-based 3D printing platforms and process optimization.
  • Familiarity with powder-based organic-inorganic liquid suspensions for composite photopolymer printing.

FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Research
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience.
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
7/20/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Rongguang Liang rliang@optics.arizona.edu
Open Date
7/7/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.


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