Materials Science Engineer Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Pittsburg State University is accepting applications for a Research Scientist, Specialized in Battery/Electroactive Materials in the department of Research and Innovation that is responsible for leading and contributing to projects focused on the design, synthesis, characterization, and device fabrication of advanced materials optimized for energy storage and related applications. This role involves hands-on experimental research, materials testing, data analysis, technical documentation, and collaboration on grant proposals. The position may also include teaching undergraduate or graduate courses as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

50% - Research and Development  

• Leads and conducts advanced research on the synthesis, characterization, and optimization of nanomaterials for energy storage and related applications 
• Leads the scientific advancement in device fabrication (coin, cylindrical, and pouch cells) 
• Executes experiments individually and as a team, including sample preparation, materials testing, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, followed by preparation of detailed technical reports 
• Maintains, calibrates, and troubleshoots laboratory instruments; develops and implements standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure research consistency and safety 
• Mentors and supervises students and research assistants; reviews experimental data, assesses progress, and provides technical guidance 
• Prepares manuscripts, presentations, and reports for internal teams, external collaborators, conferences, and peer-reviewed journals 
• Collaborates with division leadership to coordinate research activities and oversees technical staff 
• Teaches one or two classes per year as needed 

40%- Business and Technical Management  

• Identifies, develops, and manages externally funded research projects with federal, state, and industry partners aligned with the division's strategic goals 
• Drafts competitive research proposals, technical reports, patents, and publications to support funding and commercialization initiatives 
• Engages with industrial and academic partners to advance technology transfer, licensing, and commercialization efforts 
• Conducts literature reviews to identify emerging trends, fundable topics, and high-impact research opportunities in nanomaterials, energy storage, and materials science 
• Represents Research and Innovation at conferences, trade shows, and recruitment events; networks with collaborators and participates in institutional committees 
• Maintains active communication with scientific communities and establishes relationships with new industrial and academic partners 

10% - Other Duties as Assigned 

• Performs additional responsibilities as delegated to support the mission and strategic goals of the division and university 

Education and Experience

Required Education and Experience - Time of Hire

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline 
• 2 years of experience in nanomaterials synthesis, battery fabrication (coin, pouch, and cylindrical cells), characterization, analysis, and technical reporting 
• 10+ peer-reviewed publications in energy or materials science 

Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in Materials Science or a related field. This degree requirement ensures candidates possess the advanced theoretical knowledge, highly specialized methodologies, and critical problem-solving skills fundamental to this work. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential inherent in a formal degree program.

Preferred Education and Experience

• 1 year of experience teaching at the undergraduate (BS) and graduate (MS) levels 
• 1 year of experience overseeing students, research assistants, or junior scientists 
• 1 year of experience in grant writing, proposal development, and project management 

Screening Services (Background Checks): Your employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background and sex offender check.

Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience

Job Type: Unclassified

Appointment Duration: 12 months

Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, nights and weekends as needed

Application Documents Required*:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Names and Contact Details for three (3) Professional References
• Transcripts

*Consolidate into two documents to upload.

Open Until Filled with a first consideration date of 4/21/2026

Search Committee Chair: Mary Louise Widmar, mwidmar@pittstate.edu

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

PSU will only accept applications submitted through this process.

Pittsburg State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

About Pittsburg State University