1

Material Science Postdoc Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 41-60

Material Science Postdoc information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$36.6K

$73.6K

$96.3K

How much do material science postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science postdoc in Chicago, IL is $73,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,400.00 and $86,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Material Science Postdoc jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Material Science Postdoc jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Material Science Postdoc jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Material Science Postdoc jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Material Science Postdoc job openings in Chicago, IL 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 $73,625 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Appointee: Organic Chemist

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL

$72K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

The Applied Materials Division (AMD) at Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral candidate in the area of organic chemistry with focus on battery electrolyte materials. This position will primarily involve organic synthesis lab work and analysis of new materials. Previous experience with electrochemical analysis or battery materials testing is a bonus.

The candidate will design or modify laboratory procedures and protocols, develop experimental designs, run technical experiments, make detailed observations, gather and analyze data, and effectively report results.

The position requires hands-on laboratory work to develop and synthesize and analyze new organic materials, specifically new battery electrolyte materials.

Position Requirements

  • Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (typically completed within the last 0-5 years) in Chemistry, materials science or related field.

  • Knowledge and hands-on experience in the following areas: organic chemistry and synthesis.

  • Experience in flow chemistry, microfluidic reactions, reaction scale-up, calorimetry, microwave reactions; AI/ML; design of experiments, in-line analytics.

  • Ability to communicate effectively and on a timely basis with the laboratory supervisory personnel on all developments or matters resulting from laboratory work activities.

  • Ability to maintain organized notebooks and project files.

  • Proven ability to be an excellent team player.

  • A high commitment to safety.

  • Ability to model Argonne's Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

  • This position requires an on-site presence at the Argonne campus in Lemont, Illinois, five days per week.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in one or more of the folloiwng areas: standard analytical techniques (FTIR, HPLC, GC, NMR).

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.