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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:
Materials Science Research jobs near you
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.
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Materials Science and Engineering

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Materials Science and Engineering

University of North Texas System

Denton, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Materials Science and Engineering

Apply now Job no: 514199
Work type: Staff
Location: Denton
Categories: Postdoctoral Research

Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate - Materials Science and Engineering

Employee Classification: Postdoctoral Research Assoc

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Engineering

Department: UNT-Materials Science & Engineer-130330

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidate's qualifications, experience, and discipline, in accordance with university guidelines and available funding.

FTE: 1.00

Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
 
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
 
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.
 

Department Summary

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering provides a high quality education to our student population through excellence and innovation in teaching and research in order to serve the scientific and engineering needs of the state of Texas and the nation. This will be achieved by a balance of formal course work, practical laboratory training, and research projects that encompass both the basic science and the applied aspects of materials science and engineering.

Position Overview

The position of a postdoctoral research associate is available immediately in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of North Texas.
We are currently searching for a qualified candidate who will focus on research work related to compositionally / functionally graded alloys processed using additive manufacturing technologies. The activities will involve processing, advanced characterization of the microstructure and mechanical testing of these graded alloys.

Minimum Qualifications

Required qualifications include a Ph.D. degree in Metallurgical or Materials Science and Engineering or related field, at least two to five years of research experience and significant number of refereed scientific articles in high-quality journals demonstrating a strong background in physical metallurgy, phase transformations, titanium alloys, materials characterization (especially scanning and transmission electron microscopy, focused ion beam microscopy, and atom probe tomography), thermodynamics and computational modeling skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Job Duties

  • Conduct experiments, gather data, document research notes, code and analyze data, interpret data
  • Stay up to date with all trainings, and federal, state, university and department requirements
  • Keep up with historical and latest research data and publications
  • Prepare/Assist with reports of research progress to funding agencies
  • Help in preparing reviews and research proposal writing 
  • Train graduate and undergraduate students and other junior colleagues in the research group and department as needed
  • Prepare manuscripts for publications in a timely manner and talks and posters for presentation at group meetings and conferences 

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

varies based on assignment

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -and takes actions to prevent - discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.

Advertised: 29 May 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close:

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