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Phd Materials Science Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Intel

Foveros Direct Pathfinding Integration

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$141K - $269K/yr

PhD in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field, and 4+ years of relevant experience. * Experience in packaging engineering, process development, and technology ...

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Phd Materials Science information

See Arizona salary details

$49.4K

$115.5K

$161.2K

How much do phd materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd materials science in Arizona is $115,529.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,100.00 and $155,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD in materials science?

A PhD in Materials Science is an advanced research degree focused on the study of the properties, structure, performance, and applications of materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. Students in this program conduct original research to develop new materials or improve existing ones for use in various industries, including electronics, aerospace, energy, and healthcare. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research institutions, or industry, where they contribute to innovations in technology and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD in materials science?

To thrive as a PhD in Materials Science, you need advanced knowledge in physics, chemistry, and engineering principles, along with a doctoral degree in the field. Expertise in analytical techniques (like SEM, TEM, XRD), materials characterization tools, and proficiency in scientific programming or data analysis software are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective scientific communication help researchers excel and drive innovation. These skills enable the development of new materials and technologies, essential for progress across industries such as electronics, energy, and manufacturing.

What are some common challenges faced by PhD holders in materials science when transitioning from academia to industry roles?

PhD holders in Materials Science may encounter challenges such as adapting to faster-paced project timelines, learning to prioritize commercially viable outcomes over purely theoretical research, and collaborating with cross-functional teams from engineering, manufacturing, and business. Industry roles often require clear communication of complex findings to non-specialists and adjusting to structured project management systems. However, these challenges also offer opportunities for professional growth, broader impact, and the chance to see research translated into real-world products.

What is the difference between Phd Materials Science vs Materials Engineer?

AspectPhd Materials ScienceMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Materials Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsManufacturing, product development, industry labs
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, advanced R&DManufacturers, aerospace, automotive, electronics
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic vs industry roles, research focusPractical application, product development, industry roles

The main difference between Phd Materials Science and Materials Engineer lies in their focus and work environment. PhD holders typically engage in research, academia, and advanced R&D, while Materials Engineers focus on applying materials knowledge in manufacturing and product development within industry settings.

What are popular job titles related to Phd Materials Science jobs in Arizona?

For Phd Materials Science jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Phd Materials Science jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Phd Materials Science jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Phd Materials Science jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Phd Materials Science job openings:

Phd Materials Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Materials Science job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,529 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Polymer Scientist - Electrospinning & Advanced Materials Applications

Iris Scientific Inc.

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Polymer Scientist - Electrospinning & Advanced Materials Applications
Location: Phoenix, AZ - Onsite laboratory role; ~20-30% North American travel
Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 base salary + performance bonus
Relocation: Relocation support available
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401K, Life Insurance
Contact: Andrew Millar | andrew.millar@irisscientific.com | 647-205-7151
Iris Scientific is a specialty recruitment agency focused exclusively on technical and commercial roles within the North American scientific instrumentation and advanced materials market.
We're partnering with a Phoenix-based advanced materials and contract analytical laboratory to hire a PhD-level Polymer Scientist with deep, hands-on electrospinning expertise. The lab develops electrospun and electrosprayed polymer systems for medical device and regulated-materials applications - drug delivery, wound care, device coatings, fibrous scaffolds, membranes - for clients ranging from the world's largest medical device companies to early-stage startups.
What This Role Is
You will be the lab's internal subject-matter expert on electrospinning and electrospraying, leading client-facing contract development projects from scope definition through final reporting. It's a hands-on bench role with real commercial visibility - applied science, not academic research, and not a translational, regulatory, or product-management track.
A small, tight-knit team (7 people) means high autonomy, fast-moving priorities, and a genuine mix of laboratory execution and direct customer engagement.
Core Responsibilities
Contract research & project leadership
  • Lead electrospinning/electrospraying projects for industrial and research clients
  • Define project scope with customers and design structured, factorial experimental plans
  • Conduct hands-on experimentation, process development, and troubleshooting across diverse polymer systems
  • Develop and document SOPs; maintain quality-system and documentation discipline
  • Communicate outcomes through clear written and oral technical reports
  • Mentor junior team members in experimental design and best practices

Applications & technical support
  • Support advanced electrospinning instrumentation; run demos, installations, and user training
  • Provide pre- and post-sales technical support, proof-of-concept testing, and remote/onsite troubleshooting
  • Represent the lab at workshops, trade shows, and technical roadshows across North America

Qualifications
Required
  • PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline (this is a polymer/materials-science role rather than a chemical-engineering one)
  • Deep, independent, hands-on electrospinning and/or electrospraying experience - you have personally developed, built, or substantially owned and troubleshooted the process, not only operated an established group system
  • Demonstrated breadth across multiple polymer systems - not a single-polymer specialist
  • Strong experimental-design discipline (structured/factorial, not purely exploratory)
  • Proven ability to manage technical projects independently and meet client timelines
  • Excellent written and verbal technical communication
  • Willingness to travel ~20-30%

Attributes that matter here
  • Strong interpersonal skills and team fit - this is a collaborative, customer-facing, rules-driven environment; the team works closely together and to client specifications. This is weighted as heavily as technical skill.
  • Ownership and accountability - comfortable being questioned on your work, and able to say "I don't know" without defensiveness
  • Genuine curiosity across a wide range of materials and applications
  • Comfort working in environmentally sensitive electrospinning systems (humidity, solvent, charge effects)
  • Process-oriented, quality-minded, and organized in documentation

Recent PhDs with strong electrospinning depth are encouraged to apply. Industry, internship, or PI-collaboration-with-industry experience is an advantage but not required.
Team & Environment
  • 7-person analytical team; individual contributor with technical-leadership influence
  • High-autonomy, startup-paced environment within an established 20-year company

Other Requirements
  • Onsite in Phoenix, AZ - must be located there or willing to relocate
  • US work authorization is required; visa sponsorship is not available

Apply