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Phd Materials Science Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

BLN24

Social Science Research Lead

Mclean, VA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Master's degree preferred, PhD highly desirable. * Minimum six (6) years of experience conducting ... Experience preparing technical reports, briefing materials, scientific communications, and ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a ...

Innovative Concepts, Inc

Senior Metrology Engineer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

PhD in a related field (such as Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a similar discipline), or MS degree with 3+ years of relevant experience, or BS degree with 6+ years of relevant experience.

New

BLN24

Social Science Research Lead

Mclean, VA · On-site

... materials, presentations, and stakeholder-facing products to communicate research findings and ... Master's degree preferred, PhD highly desirable. * Minimum six (6) years of experience conducting ...

ECS

Technical SETA - MTO

Arlington, VA · On-site

$148K - $192K/yr

PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or similar * 5+ years of experience * Ability to communicate effectively with excellent oral and written skills. * Ability to learn new ...

ECS

Technical SETA - BTO

Arlington, VA · On-site

PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology ... materials science or electronics)

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Phd Materials Science information

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$52.5K

$122.9K

$171.5K

How much do phd materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd materials science in Virginia is $122,910.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,700.00 and $165,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Phd Materials Science jobs in Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Phd Materials Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Materials Science job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,910 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Research Scientist in Materials Science and Engineering

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Center for Electrochemical Science and Engineering in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia seeks a Research Scientist (RS) to facilitate and advance sponsored research programs in two or three key topic areas, as well as other high-priority scientific research areas.
Duties include:
  • Design, synthesize and heat treat multi-principal element alloys. Utilize Python, CALPHAD, and ML methods for high-throughput analysis. Design alloys, synthesize and verify structure and composition by multiple methods. Conduct ML studies on down-selected alloys that meet phase stability criteria to identify compositions with the desired properties, including but not limited to corrosion. Work with materials experts to obtain corrosion electrochemical properties by conducting LSV, EIS, Passivation, and XPS. Partner and collaborate with materials experts to conduct CSRO and TTO-C analysis on solid solution alloys using a variety of tools.
  • Perform and analyze high-fidelity corrosion studies on select alloys in molten salts or other harsh environments. Prior experience with salt preparation and MS reference electrodes is required, as well as with in-situ and post-test material analysis methods, such as SEM and XRD.
  • Investigate the protection of high-value, lightweight, high-strength substrates susceptible to local corrosion such as IGSCC, and other forms of localized corrosion that degrade the substrate. Investigate the protection afforded by mitigation strategies over long exposure times using ALT. Investigate corrosion mitigation strategies targeted at complex, high-strength, low-weight alloys, such as Al-Mg microstructure. The successful candidate will work with metal powders, polymer coatings, and chemical inhibitors incorporated in a polymer matrix. The powders will contain various metallic elements and/or alloy pigments. Substate materials include Al-Mg and Al-Mg-Zn alloys. See the recommended experimental and modeling skills shown below. The ideal candidate will use software such as Medusa, CALPHAD, and OLI or similar.
  • Investigate hydrogen interactions in high-strength materials introduced electrochemically. Conduct experiments to assess diffusible, trapped, and total hydrogen content and effective and perfect lattice diffusion coefficients. Also, conduct diagnostic experiments to determine whether permeation is surface- or bulk-controlled. Extend controlled potential and current experiments to studies of protective coatings that may accelerate or inhibit hydrogen production, d absorption. Include HER studies and permeation by the D-S method.
  • The ideal candidate will have the ability to analyze and interpret data in metallurgy, corrosion, and corrosion electrochemistry, and to write papers and progress reports for sponsors. The candidate will demonstrate prior achievement through archival publications in these or related areas.
  • The RS position will involve supervising and providing experimental research method training analysis to BS, MS, and PhD level materials science and engineering students working on the same or closely related projects as the RS. This research workforce will be capable of attaining research goals augmented by the supervision of the PI.
  • The RS will be expected to conduct multiple projects concurrently and possess extensive technical skills and experience with various experimental electrochemical techniques, including AC and DC electrochemistry, such as cyclic polarization, LSV, such as EIS, SVET, SKP, SDC, and SECM. The candidate will also be familiar with characterization methods, such as SEM/EDS, XRD, EBSD, XPS, ICP-OES, optical profilometry, and Raman. The RS will write proposals to attract sponsored research and, when appropriate, to support the acquisition of experimental equipment. The RS will provide both oral and written progress reports to sponsors and will play a key role in mentoring graduate students and supervising undergraduate researchers.

QUALIFICATIONS: Requires a doctoral degree or a master's degree with significant experience, in Materials Science and Engineering with a thesis dissertation emphasizing corrosion and metallurgy or closely related to these are required.
Preferred: A PhD is preferred. Preferred candidates should have at least two years prior research experience as a postdoctoral researcher at a research university or evidence of success on three or more past projects. They must also demonstrate good written and oral English language skills to interact with various sponsors, attention to detail, good record keeping, strong analytical skills, and previous experience mentoring junior researchers (undergraduate and graduate students).
The Center for Electrochemical Science and Engineering (CESE) at the University of Virginia is built on the foundation of the Applied Electrochemistry Laboratories, a highly successful organized research unit since 1974. In 1986, the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) identified CESE as a Technology Development Center. CESE is a multi-disciplinary research effort which includes activities in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering, as well as interactions with Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics. It is one of the nation's leading research centers of its kind. CESE addresses a technologically critical field. It encompasses the broad field of electrochemical science and engineering which affects the performance and reliability of most products manufactured in the world today.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://jobs.virginia.edu/us and search for R0082328. Attach the following documents: a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on May 1, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
Estimated salary range is $60,000 - $110,000, commensurate with experience.
This is a one-year appointment, and the appointment may be renewed contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.
For questions about the position, please contact John Scully, Professor, at jrs8d@virginia.edu.
For questions regarding the application, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at rkh6j@virginia.edu.
For more information on the benefits available to research scientists at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

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Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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