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Composite Postdoctoral Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Post Doc

Los Alamos, NM · On-site

... composite engineering, thermal and structural analysis, re-entry and impact modeling, systems ... The RPS Design Engineering Team is seeking candidates for a Postdoctoral position to contribute to ...

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Composite Postdoctoral information

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How much do composite postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for composite postdoctoral in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a composite postdoctoral?

Composite Postdoctoral positions refer to research roles focused on the study and development of composite materials, which are materials made from two or more constituent substances with different physical or chemical properties. These positions are typically held by individuals who have earned a PhD and are engaged in advanced research, often at universities, research institutions, or in industry. Composite Postdocs may work on designing, synthesizing, and testing new composite materials for applications ranging from aerospace to automotive to biomedical fields. Their work often involves both experimental and computational approaches. These roles are intended to prepare researchers for independent careers in academia or industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a composite postdoctoral researcher?

To thrive as a Composite Postdoctoral Researcher, you need advanced expertise in materials science, particularly in composite materials, supported by a relevant PhD and a strong publication record. Proficiency with material characterization tools, analytical software (such as MATLAB or ANSYS), and laboratory techniques is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective scientific communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for advancing research, contributing to interdisciplinary projects, and achieving innovation in composite materials science.

What are some common challenges faced by composite postdoctoral researchers during interdisciplinary projects?

Composite postdoctoral researchers often work at the intersection of materials science, engineering, and applied physics, which can present challenges in bridging knowledge gaps between disciplines. Successfully collaborating with experts from diverse backgrounds requires strong communication skills and adaptability. Additionally, managing complex experimental setups and keeping up with rapidly evolving composite technologies can be demanding. However, these challenges foster professional growth and provide valuable experience in cross-functional teamwork and cutting-edge research.

What are popular job titles related to Composite Postdoctoral jobs?

For Composite Postdoctoral jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Composite Postdoctoral job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Fiber, Composites, and Polymer Sciences

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Southeastern Universities Research Association
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Southeastern Universities Research Associationexternal

$85K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
Research Title: Fiber, composites, and polymer scientist
The work will entail: The Materials Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified candidates (U.S. Citizens Preferred) for a fiber, composites, and polymer scientist position to lead metrology development in thermomechanical/thermal analysis, chemical analysis, electron microscopy, and structure-property relationships for complex high strength fibers as well as polymeric and composite materials. This role requires hands-on ownership of advanced instrumentation, development of robust and reproducible test methods, and translation of results into actionable guidance for materials design, performance evaluation, and reliability.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Design and execute thermomechanical characterization of polymeric/composite systems
  • Develop techniques to fabricate model fiber/composite systems with novel properties
  • Lead thermal, thermomechanical, and chemical/structural characterization of materials
  • Author peer-reviewed publications and present research to stakeholders
  • Support collaborative programs and deliver stakeholder technical solutions

Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in materials science, polymer science, fiber science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
  • Expertise in molecular spectroscopy, with experience analyzing single fibers
  • Hands-on experience with thermal analysis (DSC, DMA/TGA/TMA)
  • Experience working with complex materials (high-strength fibers, composite armor, or structural composites)
  • Background in polymer viscoelasticity and physics
  • Strong quantitative/data skills (Matlab/Python/Origin)
  • Demonstrated record of technical writing and public speaking
  • Ability to lead projects, mentor students/postdocs, and coordinate collaborations

Desirable Qualifications:
  • Experience in long-term reliability studies

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004204

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