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Material Science Postdoc Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Strong publication record in leading engineering or scientific journals. Experience with MEMS ... materials characterization. Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary research teams.

... science and technology sector. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next ... Materials). * Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor ...

... science and technology sector. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next ... Materials). * Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor ...

... science and technology sector. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next ... Materials). * Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor ...

... science and technology sector. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next ... Materials). * Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor ...

... science and technology sector. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next ... Materials). * Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor ...

Showing results 41-60

Material Science Postdoc information

See Massachusetts salary details

$38.8K

$78.1K

$102.1K

How much do material science postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science postdoc in Massachusetts is $78,055.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,200.00 and $91,700.00 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 Massachusetts?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Material Science Postdoc job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,055 per year, or $37.5 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - AI Catalysis

Northeastern University

Boston, MA • On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

About the Opportunity
Job Summary
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Postdoctoral Research Associate designs and conducts experimental heterogeneous-catalysis research within autonomous, closed-loop ("self-driving") laboratory workflows. The role integrates catalyst synthesis, high-throughput reactor testing, and in situ/operando characterization with machine-learning and agentic artificial intelligence (AI) methods that propose, prioritize, and interpret experiments, accelerating the discovery and optimization of catalytic materials for energy and sustainability applications. The position contributes to scholarly publications, sponsored-research deliverables, and the training of graduate and undergraduate researchers.
Minimum Qualifications
Required
  • PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field
  • Knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and structure-reactivity relationships
  • Ability to design and operate catalytic reactors
  • Ability to synthesize and characterize catalysts
  • Proficiency in Python programming
  • Ability to apply machine-learning methods to scientific data
  • Ability to work independently and across disciplines

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
  • Design, synthesize, and test heterogeneous catalysts (e.g., supported metals, oxides, single-atom systems, and high-entropy metal alloy systems) and operate catalytic reactors to measure activity, selectivity, and kinetics for targeted thermo- and/or electrocatalytic reactions
  • Develop and run closed-loop autonomous workflows that couple automated synthesis, high-throughput screening, and online/in situ characterization with active-learning and Bayesian-optimization pipelines to guide experiment selection
  • Build agentic artificial intelligence (AI) workflows and FAIR experimental data infrastructure for instrument orchestration, automated data curation, and autonomous hypothesis generation linking synthesis, characterization, and performance
  • Analyze experimental and characterization data to extract structure-reactivity relationships and connect empirical findings to mechanistic and kinetic interpretation
  • Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations, contribute to proposals and reports, and help mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and steward shared instrumentation

Required Documents
  • Resume

Position Type
Research
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
108S
Expected Hiring Range:
$60,315.00 - $85,192.50
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.