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Material Science Postdoc Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Consulting Scientists

Milford, MA · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

... Science, Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline with 10+ years of industrial R&D experience developing advanced materials technologies; additional postdoctoral and ...

Professor Tang is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in her laboratory. The selected ... Materials Science. Highly motivated. Having experimental microfluidics background is preferred.

Showing results 21-40

Material Science Postdoc information

See Boston, MA salary details

$38.6K

$77.6K

$101.6K

How much do material science postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science postdoc in Boston, MA is $77,646.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,800.00 and $91,300.00 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.

Infographic showing various Material Science Postdoc job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,646 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scientist - Boston Area

Janelia Research Campus

Mission Hill, MA • On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists - even stretching into film and media production. Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between. The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

We are always open to finding self-motivated and highly organized Postdoctoral Scientist candidates for potential opportunities within our labs in the greater Boston area.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. You will be contacted by a member of our Recruitment team if your skills and experience appear to be a match when a role opens.

The Postdoctoral Scientist performs a variety of research and/or laboratory tasks and experiments under general supervision. Analyzes data and records the results and conclusions of laboratory experiments. Interprets analytical data and prepares research reports. May assist in the establishment of experimental protocols. Postdoc appointments are tied to a research program advised by the Investigator.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Performs research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects.

  • Makes detailed observations, analyzes data, and interprets results

  • Exercises technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies.

  • Prepares technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses.

  • Maintains familiarity with current scientific literature

  • Contributes to project process within their scientific field.

  • Investigates, builds, and develops new methods and technologies for project advancement.

  • Maintains high level of professional expertise through familiarity with scientific literature.

  • May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals.

  • Uses professional concepts in accordance with HHMI's objectives to tackle complex problems in creative and effective ways.

  • May determine methods and procedures on new assignments and may provide mentorship to staff in the laboratory.

QualificationsEducation
  • Ph.D. degree in a scientific field or MD degree


Skills and Abilities

  • Proven understanding of scientific principles

  • Exercises independent judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for acquiring results

  • Ability to perform highly complex experiments with high levels of reliability and accuracy within time constraints

  • Operational knowledge of sophisticated lab equipment

  • Ability to provide work and supervise directions to others

  • Ability to initiate and compose communications for various purposes in an appropriate style

  • Ability to work successfully within a collaborative and congenial environment and foster this ability in others.

  • Ability to review goals, analyze processes vital to achieve those goals, and develop techniques and systems required to meet those goals. Often explores new areas and seeks opportunities to apply new knowledge to work.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Hiring Pay Range

Postdoc 00 - $70,000.00 - $91,000.00 (maximum)

Pay Type: Annual

The posted range reflects HHMI's good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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