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Metals Postdoc Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Metals Postdoc information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$21

$64

How much do metals postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for metals postdoc in Chicago, IL is $21.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $17.84 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 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 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 cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Metals Postdoc jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Metals Postdoc job openings:

Postdoctoral Appointee - Research at extremes of pressure, temperature and strain at HPCAT

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL

$72K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

The overarching focus of the postdoc position and effort is on advancing the understanding of materials at high pressure-temperature conditions, and in particularly across the solid-melt transition and melt-liquid structure.

With the recent APS-Upgrade project completed and new high coherence and brightness x-ray beam, HPCAT has concurrently made over $20M HPCAT investments in upgrading key infrastructure to advance x-ray platforms for studying matter under extreme conditions. The selected postdoc will have ample opportunities for career growth and cutting-edge scientific research with new platforms at HPCAT and across various featured beamlines of APS, as well as playing a critical role in growth of HPCAT long term.

Research at extremes of pressure, temperature and strain at HPCAT

The selected postdoc will primarily focus on utilizing and advancing capabilities with the laser heating system at beamline 16-ID-B, complemented by monochromatic and white-beam Laue multi-grain measurements at 16-BM-D. Leveraging an array of laser and resistive heating capabilities, the postdoc will be expected to contribute to advancement of these capabilities and integrating various high-pressure platforms, including the dynamic-DAC (d-DAC), rotational-DAC (roto-DAC), and multi-anvil DAC (MDAC), to push the boundaries of coupled heating and x-ray probing. The goal is to characterize materials at high temperature, high pressure, and high strain rates, in effort to address outstanding scientific questions regarding material behavior near and across the solid-melt transition and into the melt region.

Measurements will be performed on various transition metals, but it is expected that the Postdoc would also drive scientific efforts and expand the capability to other materials, such as high entropy alloys, advanced manufactured materials, superconductors, and other materials proposed by the candidate.

Likewise, the Postdoc is expected to continue driving scientific advancements and contribute to long term vision of HPCAT. Working with staff and extensive partner members (including LANL, LLNL, SNL, and numerous national and international academic and other institutions) The Postdoc will have long term career growth and future opportunities at HPCAT, APS, and beyond.

Last, it is also expected that both positions will continue to grow and/or implement various AI/ML capabilities coupled to advancing the overall research efforts. As such, we encourage applicants to consider how their data processing and software development capability fits into the proposed work and future direction. The Postdocs will be working directly with assigned HPCAT staff mentor and interacting on regular basis with HPCAT principal scientist and management.

This is a two year term position (with expected impactful progress) and may be considered for extension and/or conversion to full time position.

Position Requirements

Candidates with either significant background in high pressure platforms and/or x-ray measurements are encouraged to apply, and candidates from various scientific backgrounds (Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Geoscience, and Engineering, etc.) will be considered.

  • Recent or soon-to-be completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, Geosciences or Engineering.

  • Demonstrated experience with high-pressure platforms including dynamic DAC, laser heating and resistive heating, and synchrotron x-ray diffraction measurements.

  • Able to implement various AI/ML applications.

**Please include your CV and a summary of relevant experience and proposed scientific ideas within the scope of position posting (3 page max).** Application review will commence on June 08 latest and resume until position is filled.

Inquiries regarding scientific scope of the position can be directed to HPCAT Director Nenad Velisavljevic (HPCAT-Director@anl.gov) and HPCAT Group Leader Maddury Somayazulu (zulu@anl.gov).

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.