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Material Science Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

The Material Science Senior Director will support Vertex's drug development programs through a specialized depth and breadth of knowledge of various relationships between materials properties ...

Computational Materials Scientist

Woburn, MA · On-site +1

$180K - $200K/yr

This powerful combination of "AI for science" and material engineering enables batteries that can be used across various applications, including transportation (land and air), energy storage ...

Have solid understanding of the fundamentals of materials science and polymer development * Passionate about testing and troubleshooting, not afraid to test hundreds of times * Love to harness data ...

Have solid understanding of the fundamentals of materials science and polymer development * Passionate about testing and troubleshooting, not afraid to test hundreds of times * Love to harness data ...

Materials Scientist

Somerville, MA · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

Have solid understanding of the fundamentals of materials science and polymer development * Passionate about testing and troubleshooting, not afraid to test hundreds of times * Love to harness data ...

Materials Scientist

Boston, MA · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

Have solid understanding of the fundamentals of materials science and polymer development * Passionate about testing and troubleshooting, not afraid to test hundreds of times * Love to harness data ...

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Material Science information

See Massachusetts salary details

$10

$24

$34

How much do material science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for material science in Massachusetts is $24.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $27.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you do with material science?

Material science graduates can pursue careers as materials engineers, research scientists, quality control specialists, or product development engineers. These roles involve analyzing, testing, and developing materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, often requiring knowledge of laboratory techniques and computer-aided design tools.

What is a material science salary?

A material science salary varies based on experience, education, and location, but typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually for entry-level to experienced professionals. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and working in high-demand industries such as aerospace, automotive, or research. Many roles also include benefits like health insurance and opportunities for advancement.

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

To thrive in Material Science, you need a solid background in physics, chemistry, materials engineering, and problem-solving, usually supported by at least a bachelor's degree in materials science or a related discipline. Familiarity with scientific instrumentation, materials characterization software, and quality control systems is often required, along with certifications such as Six Sigma or experience with ISO standards. Strong analytical thinking, clear communication, and collaborative skills distinguish outstanding professionals in this field. These competencies enable effective research, innovation, and seamless teamwork in developing and optimizing new materials for various industries.

What jobs can you get with a material science degree?

A material science degree can lead to careers such as materials engineer, research scientist, quality control analyst, or product development specialist. These roles often involve working with metals, polymers, ceramics, or composites, and may require knowledge of testing methods, CAD software, and industry standards.

What are some typical projects and day-to-day tasks in a Material Science position?

Material Science professionals often engage in researching, testing, and developing new materials or improving existing ones to meet specific industry needs. Typical tasks might include preparing and analyzing material samples, conducting experiments in labs, interpreting test data, and collaborating closely with engineering or product development teams. You may also be involved in troubleshooting manufacturing processes or supporting quality assurance efforts. These roles frequently require documenting findings, presenting results, and contributing to cross-departmental meetings, making every day varied and dynamic. Many positions offer hands-on involvement as well as opportunities for cross-functional teamwork.

What is a Material Science job?

A Material Science job involves researching, developing, and testing materials to improve their properties for various applications. Material scientists work with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites to enhance performance in industries like aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing. They analyze the structure and properties of materials to innovate and create new products or improve existing ones. These professionals often collaborate with engineers and manufacturers to ensure materials meet required standards for durability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

Is material science high paying?

Material science careers can offer competitive salaries, especially for roles in research, development, or engineering that require specialized knowledge and skills. Salaries vary based on experience, education, location, and industry, with positions in aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing typically paying higher wages.
What are the most commonly searched types of Material Science jobs in Massachusetts? The most popular types of Material Science jobs in Massachusetts are:
What are popular job titles related to Material Science jobs in Massachusetts? For Material Science jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Material Science jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Material Science jobs in Massachusetts are:
What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Material Science jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Material Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Material Science job openings in Massachusetts as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,436 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Senior Director, Material Science

Vrtx

Boston, MA

$217K - $326K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Job Description

General Summary:

Vertex is seeking a talented individual to join the Engineering and Materials Science department in Boston, MA to lead the Materials Development Group. The Material Science Senior Director will support Vertex's drug development programs through a specialized depth and breadth of knowledge of various relationships between materials properties, pharmaceutical processing conditions, and final product performance and quality attributes. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of applying specialized knowledge in solid state science and engineering principles and be a productive, results-oriented leader who is able to lead a diverse team of engineers and scientists and contribute to the successful development and scale-up of drug substance and drug product candidates.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Lead a team responsible to:
    • Design experiments to discover and characterize all aspects of solid form discovery and development (stable form identification, polymorphism, salts, co-crystals, amorphous material, etc.) for pharmaceutical solid-state materials
    • Design, validate, and implement advanced characterization techniques and predictive models which connect material properties, pharmaceutical processing conditions, and final product performance in the interest of process development and streamlining formulation design
  • Leverage knowledge of physiochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of drug substances to influence in vitro and/or in vivo studies that resolve issues related to drug discovery and formulation development.
  • Decipher pharmacokinetic data and be accountable for nominating the most appropriate API polymorph across all phases of development.
  • Drive project activities and scientific strategies (including at external CROs)
  • Potentially lead projects, representing all aspects of pharmaceutical sciences
  • Drive innovation and explore new scientific projects and/or business initiatives for company consideration
  • Be vested in developing team members and technically mentoring junior-level scientists
  • Work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to track multiple assets at a time and make decisions based on limited and evolving data.
  • Build a strong network internally and externally to ensure visibility in the field by participation in scientific meetings and/or publishing high quality work
  • Influence the strategic direction of the Materials Development Group and the Engineering and Materials Science department
  • Use excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders and interact, lead, and collaborate within an interdisciplinary team comprised of chemical engineers, organic, physical, and analytical chemists, materials and solid-state scientists, and formulation development personnel

Knowledge and Skills:

  • Experience leading a team of scientists and engineers for materials discovery in the pharmaceutical domain
  • Advanced knowledge of solid form discovery, development, and characterization of APIs, inclusive of computational modeling application, from GLP Tox through to commercial
  • Accountability for polymorph selection
  • Knowledge of pharmacokinetic principles
  • Experience with process development and problem solving in a matrix environment
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to influence both stakeholders and team members

Education and Experience:

  • A BS (+ 20 years), MS (+ 15 years) or PhD (+ 11 years) in Materials Science/Chemistry, or a closely related field, with relevant pharmaceutical materials development experience
  • 5 years experience managing a team

#LI-BS1

Pay Range:

$217,900 - $326,900

Disclosure Statement:

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation:

On-Site Designated

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this On-Site designated role, you will work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

#LI-Onsite

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com