1

Materials Science Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Materials Science Research information

See salary details

$29.5K

$95.3K

$155K

How much do materials science research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials 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 is the difference between Materials Science Research vs Materials Engineering?

AspectMaterials Science ResearchMaterials Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, PhD often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Materials Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, R&D centersManufacturing plants, product development, industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, government labs, private R&DManufacturers, aerospace, automotive, electronics industries

Materials Science Research focuses on understanding the fundamental properties of materials through experimentation and analysis, often in academic or research settings. Materials Engineering applies this knowledge to develop, design, and improve materials for practical use in manufacturing and industry. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

What is materials science research?

Materials science research involves studying the properties, structures, and performance of different materials to develop new products or improve existing ones. Researchers in this field investigate how materials behave under various conditions, such as stress, temperature, or chemical exposure, to understand their potential applications. The work can include laboratory experiments, computer simulations, and collaboration with engineers and manufacturers. This interdisciplinary field combines principles from physics, chemistry, and engineering to address real-world challenges in industries such as electronics, aerospace, and healthcare.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Materials Science Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Materials Science Researcher, you need a solid background in chemistry, physics, and engineering, typically supported by at least a master's or doctoral degree in materials science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, analytical instrumentation (such as SEM, XRD, TEM), and data analysis software is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help researchers collaborate and present findings clearly. These competencies enable researchers to innovate, ensure the reliability of results, and drive advancements in materials technology.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in a Materials Science Research role?

Materials Science Researchers often encounter the challenge of designing experiments that accurately simulate real-world conditions while maintaining precise control over variables. Balancing the need for innovation with the practical constraints of budgets and timelines is common. Additionally, researchers must stay up-to-date with rapidly evolving technologies and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, which requires strong communication skills. Navigating these challenges can be rewarding, as they drive both personal and professional growth within the field.
More about Materials Science Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Materials Science Research jobs? Cities with the most Materials Science Research job openings:
What states have the most Materials Science Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Materials Science Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Materials Science Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Science Research jobs are:
Infographic showing various Materials Science Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,315 per year, or $45.8 per hour.
Materials Science Research Faculty

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


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, seeNotice 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-tenure faculty 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 topossess 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 ourBenefits 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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines


Pennsylvania State University logo

About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

Social media