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Metals Postdoc Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Metals Postdoc information

See Boston, MA salary details

$14

$22

$68

How much do metals postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for metals postdoc in Boston, MA is $22.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a metals postdoc?

A Metals Postdoc is a researcher who has completed their doctoral degree and is engaged in advanced research related to metals, such as their properties, processing, and applications. These postdoctoral positions are typically temporary and are found in universities, research institutes, or industry labs. Metals Postdocs often work on projects involving metallurgy, materials science, alloy development, or characterization techniques. The goal is to deepen expertise, contribute to scientific knowledge, and prepare for a career in academia or industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a metals postdoc?

To thrive as a Metals Postdoc, you need a PhD in materials science, metallurgy, or a related field with a deep understanding of metal properties and characterization techniques. Proficiency in analytical tools such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and computational modeling software is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities help in collaborating across multidisciplinary research teams and presenting findings. These skills are crucial for advancing scientific knowledge, publishing impactful research, and contributing effectively to innovative projects in the field of metals.

What is the difference between Metals Postdoc vs Materials Scientist?

AspectMetals PostdocMaterials Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related fieldMaster's or PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch laboratories, academic institutions, industry R&DResearch and development, manufacturing, academia, industry
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government labs, industry research centersManufacturers, research institutions, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in metals and materialsExploring career paths in materials research and development

Metals Postdocs focus on advanced research in metals, often within academic or government labs, requiring a PhD. Materials Scientists have broader roles in industry or academia, working on developing and testing materials, with educational requirements ranging from a master's to a PhD. Both roles involve research but differ in scope and application.

What are some common challenges faced by metals postdocs in academic research settings?

Metals Postdocs often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple research projects with tight deadlines, adapting to rapidly evolving experimental techniques, and securing funding or resources for specialized equipment. Collaboration is key, as postdocs frequently work with interdisciplinary teams including chemists, physicists, and engineers. Navigating publication pressures and building a professional network are also crucial for career advancement, making time management and communication skills essential in this role.
What are popular job titles related to Metals Postdoc jobs in Boston, MA? For Metals Postdoc jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Metals Postdoc jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Metals Postdoc jobs in Boston, MA are:
Metals Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Metals Postdoc job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,560 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - AI Catalysis

Northeastern University

Boston, MA • On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

About the Opportunity
Job Summary
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Postdoctoral Research Associate designs and conducts experimental heterogeneous-catalysis research within autonomous, closed-loop ("self-driving") laboratory workflows. The role integrates catalyst synthesis, high-throughput reactor testing, and in situ/operando characterization with machine-learning and agentic artificial intelligence (AI) methods that propose, prioritize, and interpret experiments, accelerating the discovery and optimization of catalytic materials for energy and sustainability applications. The position contributes to scholarly publications, sponsored-research deliverables, and the training of graduate and undergraduate researchers.
Minimum Qualifications
Required
  • PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field
  • Knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and structure-reactivity relationships
  • Ability to design and operate catalytic reactors
  • Ability to synthesize and characterize catalysts
  • Proficiency in Python programming
  • Ability to apply machine-learning methods to scientific data
  • Ability to work independently and across disciplines

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
  • Design, synthesize, and test heterogeneous catalysts (e.g., supported metals, oxides, single-atom systems, and high-entropy metal alloy systems) and operate catalytic reactors to measure activity, selectivity, and kinetics for targeted thermo- and/or electrocatalytic reactions
  • Develop and run closed-loop autonomous workflows that couple automated synthesis, high-throughput screening, and online/in situ characterization with active-learning and Bayesian-optimization pipelines to guide experiment selection
  • Build agentic artificial intelligence (AI) workflows and FAIR experimental data infrastructure for instrument orchestration, automated data curation, and autonomous hypothesis generation linking synthesis, characterization, and performance
  • Analyze experimental and characterization data to extract structure-reactivity relationships and connect empirical findings to mechanistic and kinetic interpretation
  • Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations, contribute to proposals and reports, and help mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and steward shared instrumentation

Required Documents
  • Resume

Position Type
Research
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
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:
108S
Expected Hiring Range:
$60,315.00 - $85,192.50
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.

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