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Material Science Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS We are seeking a research scientist with a strong background in corrosion for a ... material systems * Support the Division as a Principal Investigator (PI) and co-PI * Execute and ...

BLN24

Social Science Research Lead

Mclean, VA · On-site

Social Science Research Lead Position Overview: BLN24 has an exciting opportunity for a Social ... Experience preparing technical reports, briefing materials, scientific communications, and ...

BLN24

Social Science Research Lead

Mclean, VA · On-site

Job Title:  Social Science Research Lead Position Overview: BLN24 has an exciting opportunity for ... Experience preparing technical reports, briefing materials, scientific communications, and ...

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$29.5K

$95.3K

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How much do material science research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science research in the United States is $95,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities for professionals in Material Science Research roles?

Material Science Researchers often work on projects that involve designing, synthesizing, and characterizing new materials or improving the properties of existing materials for applications in industries like aerospace, electronics, energy, or healthcare. Daily responsibilities may include planning and conducting experiments, analyzing test results, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and preparing technical reports or publications. Depending on the organization, you might also contribute to patent filings, prototype development, or scaling up processes for manufacturing. This role offers variety and intellectual challenge, as each project can present unique scientific puzzles and opportunities for innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Material Science Research position, and why are they important?

A career in Material Science Research requires a solid background in physics, chemistry, and engineering principles, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in materials science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, analytical software (such as SEM, TEM, XRD), and data analysis tools is essential, and professional certifications can be beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, teamwork, and effective written and verbal communication help researchers thrive in multidisciplinary environments. These skills are vital for conducting rigorous investigations, interpreting complex data, and driving innovation in material development and applications.

What is a Material Science Research job?

A Material Science Research job involves studying and developing new materials or improving existing ones for various applications. Researchers analyze the structure, properties, and performance of materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. They work in industries like aerospace, electronics, energy, and healthcare to enhance material efficiency, durability, and sustainability. This role often includes laboratory experiments, computational modeling, and collaboration with engineers and scientists to develop innovative solutions.

More about Material Science Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Material Science Research jobs? Cities with the most Material Science Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Material Science Research jobs? The most popular types of Material Science Research jobs are:
What states have the most Material Science Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Material Science Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Material Science Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Material Science Research jobs are:
Material Science Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,315 per year, or $45.8 per hour.
Materials Science Research Faculty

Materials Science Research Faculty

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

197th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are seeking a research scientist with a strong background in corrosion for a Research Faculty position within the Materials Science and Applications Division of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office at the Penn State University Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). Penn State ARL's purpose is to develop innovative solutions to challenging national problems in support of the Navy, DoD, and Intel communities engineering and technology needs.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
  • Lead the development of proposals and statements of work on projects related to cold spray, additive manufacturing, and other materials science related research
  • Work alongside experts in materials science, metallurgy, engineering and performance modeling to uncover structure property relationships in a wide range material systems
  • Support the Division as a Principal Investigator (PI) and co-PI
  • Execute and manage projects including developing test plans, schedules, reports, and presentations and coordinating the completion of analysis and design work related to each project

Non-tenurefaculty rank will be commensurate with education level and experience.
Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Have 4 years technical experience in hands on experimental corrosion research and electrochemical characterization of alloys
  • Experience with materials characterization techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, Powder Particle Size Distribution, and Optical Microscopy
  • Past success in the development of proposals, statements of work, test plans, reports, briefs, academic papers, and conference presentations
  • Demonstrated ability to work through a difficult problem, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution

Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Working knowledge of cold spray and additive manufacturing technologies and metal powders
  • Working knowledge of computational and analytical corrosion research methods
  • Comfortable working in a laboratory environment, performing data collection and troubleshooting
  • Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
  • Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented, culture
  • Active DoD security clearance

Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College. This position will require periodic travel to meetings, conferences, or to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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