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Material Science Postdoc Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Post Doc Res Assoc

Campus, IL · On-site

  • Retirement

... Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead a project at the intersection of additive manufacturing, polymer chemistry, and materials science. The successful candidate will lead the optimization of this ...

Showing results 41-60

Material Science Postdoc information

See Illinois salary details

$34.4K

$69.3K

$90.6K

How much do material science postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science postdoc in Illinois is $69,257.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,600.00 and $81,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of research projects can a material science postdoc expect to work on, and how much independence is typically given?

As a Material Science Postdoc, you may be involved in projects ranging from developing novel materials and investigating their structural properties to collaborating on interdisciplinary applications such as energy storage, biomaterials, or nanotechnology. Postdocs often work under the supervision of a principal investigator but may also lead sub-projects, train students, and contribute fresh ideas to ongoing research. The level of independence varies by institution and funding source, but you can generally expect to design experiments, analyze results, and share findings at lab meetings and conferences. This balance of guidance and autonomy is designed to help you grow your skills while making meaningful contributions to the group’s scientific goals.

What is a material science postdoc?

A Material Science Postdoc is a temporary research position for Ph.D. graduates specializing in materials science and engineering. Postdocs work on advanced research projects, often in academic, government, or industrial labs, to develop new materials, improve existing ones, or study their properties. They collaborate with senior scientists, publish findings, and may mentor students. The role helps build expertise and prepares researchers for careers in academia, industry, or government research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a material science postdoc?

To thrive as a Material Science Postdoc, you need a Ph.D. in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related field, with deep expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and materials characterization. Familiarity with advanced characterization tools (such as SEM, TEM, XRD) and data analysis software, along with strong scientific writing and publication experience, is often required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, strong communication skills, and the capacity to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams are valuable soft skills. These qualifications ensure the ability to conduct rigorous research, contribute to publications, and work effectively in a fast-paced academic or industrial research environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Material Science Postdoc jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Material Science Postdoc jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Material Science Postdoc jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Material Science Postdoc job openings:

Infographic showing various Material Science Postdoc job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,257 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Post Doc Res Assoc

University of Utah

Campus, IL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Details
Open Date 07/22/2026 Requisition Number PRN45696B Job Title Post Doc Res Assoc Working Title Postdoctoral Researcher for SLA/DLP 3D Printing Career Progression Track A00 Track Level FLSA Code Administrative Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
VP Area Academic Affairs Department 00067 - Material Science and Engineer Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range 63,480 - 70,000 Close Date 11/30/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
The Chen Wang Research Group is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and ambitious Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead a project at the intersection of additive manufacturing, polymer chemistry, and materials science. The successful candidate will lead the optimization of this printing platform, characterize the fundamental reaction kinetics, and validate its translation into high-impact energy and medical applications. Candidates preferably hold a Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field, backed by a strong track record of first-author publications. This role requires hands-on expertise in vat photopolymerization 3D printing (SLA/DLP), custom resin formulation, and nanoscale characterization techniques like SEM. A deep understanding of polymer chemistry-specifically photopolymerization kinetics, polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS), or dynamic covalent chemistry-is essential. Ideally, the preferred candidate will also bring experience in 3D printer customization, software/hardware integration, and CAD modeling skills.
Responsibilities Minimum Qualifications Preferences Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

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Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

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Year founded

1850