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Phd Materials Science Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Rivian

Senior Materials Engineer - Metals

Plymouth, MI

$98K - $123K/yr

Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline * Experience with automotive body, chassis, powertrain, battery enclosure, or structural component materials

Ford Motor Company

Research Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

PhD in battery materials science, engineering, chemistry or related fields * 5 years of experience in using optical systems to measure physical battery phenomena * A wide range of material analysis ...

L&L Products

Scientist

Romeo, MI

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: * BS with 6+ years of product development experience, MS with 3+ years of product development experience, or PhD in the sciences, typically in chemistry or material ...

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All JobsPhd Materials Science JobsPhd Materials Science Jobs in Michigan

Phd Materials Science information

See Michigan salary details

$46.2K

$108.1K

$150.8K

How much do phd materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd materials science in Michigan is $108,054.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $145,600.00 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 Michigan?

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

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

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

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

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

Phd Materials Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Materials Science job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,054 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Materials Science PhD - Problem Author - AI Trainer

Mercor

Detroit, MI • Remote

$85/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Materials Writer - Engineering FRQ
Type: Contract
Compensation: $85/hour
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Author original, free-response engineering problems in Materials Science & Engineering.
  • Develop expert-level solutions grounded in real industry scenarios.
  • Validate problem difficulty by testing against three frontier language models.
  • Ensure at least one model fails to solve the problems.
  • Work independently and asynchronously to meet deadlines.
  • Collaborate with AI research teams to enhance model training and evaluation.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgy, or a materials-focused Mechanical/Chemical Engineering discipline.
  • 5+ years of professional experience in materials selection, failure analysis, testing, or process development.
  • Experience with well-known/blue-chip employers.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume
  • AI interview based on your resume
  • Submit form

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.


#hiringmercor