Materials Science Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

About the Opportunity

About the Roux Institute

The Roux Institute is designed as an engine of innovation, talent-building, and economic growth for Portland, Maine, and northern New England. We are nurturing an environment for high-impact research and innovation in computer and data science, digital engineering, the advanced life sciences and medicine, and other tech fields. Partnership is what sets our education and research model apart. With leading companies at the table from day one, we are creating an agile workforce prepared to thrive in a competitive landscape powered by artificial intelligence as a force for good, and an environment for innovation in the life sciences and other high-growth sectors. Together, we envision an innovation corridor that in the coming years will stretch from Boston to Portland and beyond.

Job Summary

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will engage in both fundamental and applied research in the field of advanced manufacturing, with direct relevance to aerospace lightweighting, hypersonic systems, and naval shipbuilding. The Fellow will contribute to ongoing research programs by developing experimental methodologies, computational models, and performing hands-on laboratory investigations.

Key responsibilities include generating high-impact scientific publications and technical reports, contributing to additive manufacturing workforce development programs, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students engaged in related projects. The Fellow will work in close collaboration with Professor Andrew Neils on the Roux Institute's Engineering team at both the Portland, ME and Brunswick, ME campuses.

This position will support several projects funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. Background checks and other clearances may apply.

Minimum Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D. earned in mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in the characterization and testing of crystalline materials, including metals and ceramics.
• Strong background in additive manufacturing processes and the mechanics of materials.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred

• Familiarity with data-driven engineering methods, particularly those leveraging artificial intelligence or machine learning.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

1. Initiate, Execute, and Complete Advanced Manufacturing Related Research and Training Programs (50%)

• Design and execute experimental investigations into process-structure-property relationships for advanced engineering materials (e.g., high temperature refractory alloys and their coatings).
• Develop curriculum and deliver hands-on cold spray additive manufacturing training and lab technician instruction as part of active Department of Defense workforce development programs.
• Operate cold spray additive manufacturing systems, with occasional contributions to powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition programs.
• Collect process and property data and develop data architectures and tools for automating data analysis. Relevant software platforms include Matlab and Python.
• Develop physics-based computational models (e.g., finite element analysis) to complement and contextualize experimental findings.
• Apply CAD tools such as ANSYS and SolidWorks to produce geometric models for experimental specimens, including metamaterial and lattice structures as needed.

2. Prepare and Write Technical Reports and Manuscripts for Peer Review (25%)

• Lead technical writing of sponsored program reports.
• Lead or contribute to three or more peer-reviewed publication submissions per year.

3. Mentoring, Collaboration, and Support (25%)

• Mentor and train undergraduate and graduate students.
• Support Roux Engineering team proposal development.
• Perform lab management duties as needed.
• Support Roux external industry and academic collaborations.

The Roux Institute is designed as an engine of innovation, talent-building, and economic growth for Portland, Maine, and northern New England. We are nurturing an environment for high-impact research and innovation in computer and data science, digital engineering, the advanced life sciences and medicine, and other tech fields. Partnership is what sets our education and research model apart. With leading companies at the table from day one, we are creating an agile workforce prepared to thrive in a competitive landscape powered by artificial intelligence as a force for good, and an environment for innovation in the life sciences and other high- growth sectors. Together, we envision an innovation corridor that in the coming years will stretch from Boston to Portland and beyond.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.