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Materials Science Phd Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MS / PhD in materials science, chemistry, physics, or related discipline. * 3+ years of full-time experience at a Fortune 500 R&D organization, national lab, or R1 university materials research group

New

S., or PhD in a relevant science or engineering field (all are welcome) Bonus Skills: * Experience developing materials for 3D printing, especially for SLA/DLP or SLS printers! * 3D CAD modeling

S., or PhD in a relevant science or engineering field (all are welcome) Bonus Skills: * Experience developing materials for 3D printing, especially for SLA/DLP or SLS printers! * 3D CAD modeling

S., or PhD in a relevant science or engineering field (all are welcome) Bonus Skills: * Experience developing materials for 3D printing, especially for SLA/DLP or SLS printers! * 3D CAD modeling

S., or PhD in a relevant science or engineering field (all are welcome) Bonus Skills: * Experience developing materials for 3D printing, especially for SLA/DLP or SLS printers! * 3D CAD modeling

Qualifications · PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related materials-focused discipline. · Proven expertise in polymer composite engineering to formulate and ...

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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.

Can PhD students get internships?

Yes, PhD students can pursue internships related to materials science to gain practical experience, develop research skills, and enhance their resumes. Many internships are available through industry partnerships, research institutions, and academic programs, often requiring a strong background in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and relevant software tools.

What can I do with a PhD in Materials Science?

A PhD in Materials Science prepares individuals for careers in research and development, academia, or industry, focusing on developing new materials or improving existing ones. Graduates often work in sectors such as aerospace, electronics, energy, or manufacturing, utilizing skills in characterization techniques, materials testing, and data analysis. The role of a Materials Science PhD intern involves applying advanced knowledge to solve complex material challenges and often requires familiarity with laboratory tools and research methodologies.

Is a 3.0 GPA good for internships?

For a Materials Science PhD internship, a 3.0 GPA is generally considered acceptable but may be below the preferred range, as many research-focused internships often look for higher GPAs. Strong academic performance, research experience, and technical skills can be more important than GPA alone. Applicants with a GPA around 3.0 should emphasize relevant coursework, projects, and laboratory skills to strengthen their application.

How much does a PhD in Materials Science make?

A PhD in Materials Science typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Internships in this field often offer stipends or hourly wages that can range from $20 to $40 per hour, providing valuable research experience and skill development.

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:
Infographic showing various Materials Science Phd Internship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 77% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Scientist II, Mechanics & Extreme Materials

Lila Sciences

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Your Impact at LILA

As a Scientist II, Mechanics & Extreme Materials on the Materials Science team at Lila Sciences, you will be the technical expert driving closed-loop learning for extreme materials. Your domain depth in coatings and metal alloys, durability testing, and microstructural analysis will directly shape the experimental methods and automated workflows that power Lila's autonomous science platform.

This role sits at the center of Lila's extreme materials program focused on the predictive design of hard, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant coatings for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. You will define how the platform interrogates the performance of new alloy and coating systems, what data it generates, and how those outputs feed back into the next experimental cycle.

You will work alongside experimentalists, systems engineers, and machine learning scientists, providing the mechanical and metallurgical judgement that keeps closed-loop campaigns scientifically rigorous and accelerating toward next-generation coating and extreme material solutions.

What You'll Be Building

  • Work with Program Lead to drive the strategy for closed-loop campaigns on anti-wear and anti-corrosion materials.
  • Develop, execute and optimize characterization and testing workflows for extreme environment materials, including coatings and bulk materials. Focus areas include: microstructural, mechanical, and tribological analysis for process-structure-property relationships.
  • Collaborate with experimentalists, systems engineers, and ML scientists to integrate characterization outputs into autonomous closed-loop workflows and ML training datasets.
  • Lead experimental design and analysis to extract key materials properties and performance parameters for ML training.
  • Troubleshoot characterization workflows and instrumentation to sustain high-throughput operational performance.
  • Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

What You'll Need to Succeed

  • PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with 3+ years post-PhD or industry experience.
  • Proficiency in nanoindentation-based mechanical characterization of thin films and bulk materials, including hardness, wear rate, elastic modulus, tribology, and high-throughput testing protocol development.
  • Solid mechanics foundation and deep expertise in microstructural characterization of metal alloys: SEM, TEM, EBSD.
  • Track record developing anti-wear or anti-corrosion materials with measurable performance outcomes.
  • Strong grounding in physical metallurgy and ceramics science: phase equilibria, transformations, sintering, deformation mechanisms, and degradation in extreme environments.
  • Proven ability to interpret structure-property relationships and translate them into experimental design decisions.
  • Effective scientific communicator with experience collaborating across experimental, engineering, and computational teams.

Bonus Points For

  • Experience with high-throughput or autonomous experimental workflows.
  • Proficiency in Python or similar tools for data analysis and workflow automation.
  • Exposure to coating deposition and bulk alloy synthesis techniques.
  • Experience with ML-guided experimental design or active learning frameworks.
  • Familiarity with CALPHAD modeling (Thermo-Calc, Pandat) for alloy or ceramic phase prediction.
  • Background in extreme-environment materials testing (high temperature, high stress, or corrosive).