ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Materials Science Phd Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MSD

Principal Scientist, Materials Science

Rahway, NJ · On-site

$156K - $247K/yr

OR PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline with a minimum of 8 years relevant industrial experience (non-academic)

Merck & Co.

Sr. Director, Materials Science

Rahway, NJ · On-site

$173.20 - $272.60/hr

The Senior Director of Materials Science plays a critical role in advancing that mission. This ... PhD in relevant scientific discipline with 10+ years' experience; MS in relevant scientific ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsMaterials Science Phd JobsMaterials Science Phd Internship Jobs

Materials Science Phd Internship information

What is a materials science PhD internship?

A Materials Science PhD Internship is a temporary position designed for doctoral students specializing in materials science to gain practical, hands-on experience in industry, research institutions, or national laboratories. Interns typically work on projects related to developing, analyzing, or testing new materials and processes, often using advanced characterization or computational techniques. These internships provide valuable exposure to real-world applications of their academic work, help build professional networks, and often lead to full-time job opportunities after graduation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials science PhD intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Materials Science PhD Intern, you need a solid grounding in materials characterization, data analysis, and experimental design, supported by advanced coursework or ongoing doctoral studies in materials science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instruments such as SEM/TEM, XRD, and software tools like MATLAB or Python is often expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and collaboration skills distinguish successful interns in research environments. These competencies are vital for contributing to innovative projects, generating reliable results, and integrating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Materials Science Phd Internship vs Materials Engineer?

AspectMaterials Science Phd InternshipMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD or pursuing PhD in Materials Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, corporate R&DManufacturing plants, design offices, industrial facilities
Employer & Industry UsageResearch-focused roles in academia, industry, governmentProduct development, quality control, manufacturing in industry

The Materials Science Phd Internship is primarily research-oriented, focusing on advanced studies and experimental work, often in academic or corporate R&D settings. In contrast, a Materials Engineer applies practical engineering principles to develop, test, and improve materials in industrial environments. Both roles require knowledge of materials properties, but the internship emphasizes research and academic growth, while the engineer role centers on application and production.

What types of projects and research topics can I expect to work on during a materials science PhD internship?

During a Materials Science PhD Internship, you can expect to engage in hands-on research projects that align with current industry or academic priorities, such as materials characterization, nanomaterials development, or advanced manufacturing techniques. Interns often collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, chemists, and product developers, to solve real-world problems and contribute to ongoing R&D initiatives. You may also have opportunities to work with specialized equipment and analytical tools, participate in technical meetings, and present your findings. This immersive experience not only enhances your technical skills but also provides valuable exposure to professional work environments and networking opportunities.
More about Materials Science Phd Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Materials Science Phd Internship jobs? Cities with the most Materials Science Phd Internship job openings:
What states have the most Materials Science Phd Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Materials Science Phd Internship jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Materials Science Phd Internship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Science Phd Internship jobs are:
Materials Science Phd Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Science Phd Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Principal Scientist, Materials Science

Merck & Co.

Rahway, NJ • On-site

$156.90 - $247/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Merck rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Job Description

The Materials & Biophysical Characterization (MBC) group within Analytical Research & Development is seeking a highly motivated and technically focused individual to positively impact our company’s pipeline from discovery through development and commercial launch. This role is a Pharmaceutical Materials Scientist who will lead the physicochemical characterization of pharmaceutical materials, including small-molecule APIs, chemical intermediates, peptides, novel excipients, drug‑product intermediates, and finished products.

Responsibilities

Utilize expertise in physical organic chemistry or materials science to tackle scientific challenges related to crystallization, polymorph and salt selection, drug‑excipient compatibility, characterization of amorphous solid dispersions, and physical stability of APIs and drug products. Foster collaboration with cross‑functional teams such as Discovery Chemistry, Process & Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Formulation Sciences.

Education Requirements
  • Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 12 years of relevant industrial experience (non‑academic).
  • OR PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant industrial experience (non‑academic).
Experience and Skills Required
  • Expertise in materials science or physical chemistry with experience in materials characterization techniques such as X‑ray diffraction, thermal analysis, electron microscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, particle size analysis or powder property characterization.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross‑functional teams.
  • Commitment to mentoring scientists.
  • Strong academic record including publications in peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at scientific meetings.
  • Self‑motivated, creative and energetic scientist willing to continually learn and solve complex problems.
  • Strong written and verbal communications.
Preferred
  • Expertise with at least one of the following:
  • Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) polymorph screening and crystallization.
  • Chemometric analysis of spectroscopic data.
  • Amorphous solid dispersion characterization.
  • Modified release dosage form development and characterization.
  • Rheological characterization of complex fluids or suspensions.
  • Late‑stage product development and regulatory documentation / filing.
Location Eligibility

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only.

San Francisco Residents: qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Los Angeles Residents: qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, will be considered in compliance with the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and provide accommodations throughout the hiring process.

Salary & Benefits

Salary Range: $156,900.00 – $247,000.00. The specific compensation will be contingent on education, experience, skills, geography, and other factors.

The successful candidate will be eligible for an annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days, and additional benefits as described on our website.

Job Details

Employee Status: Regular. Relocation: Domestic. Visa Sponsorship: Yes. Travel Requirements: 10%.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Merck employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply