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Postdoctoral Composite Material Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... materials science of ceramics, high-temperature metallurgy, composite engineering, thermal and ... The RPS Design Engineering Team is seeking candidates for a Postdoctoral position to contribute to ...

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How much do postdoctoral composite material jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral composite material in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Composite Materials, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Composite Materials, you need a strong background in materials science, engineering, and research methodology, typically supported by a PhD in a relevant field. Experience with advanced characterization techniques, computational modeling tools, and lab equipment, as well as familiarity with scientific publishing, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and collaboration skills help you excel in multidisciplinary research environments. These competencies are vital for driving innovation, producing publishable results, and advancing composite material technologies.

What are postdoctoral positions in composite materials?

Postdoctoral positions in composite materials are research-focused roles for individuals who have completed their doctoral degrees (PhD) and wish to further their expertise in the field of composite materials. These positions typically involve conducting advanced research, publishing scientific papers, and collaborating with academic or industry partners. The goal is often to develop new materials, improve existing composites, or explore novel applications, while building a strong professional research profile. Postdocs work under the supervision of a principal investigator and may also mentor graduate students. These roles are usually temporary, lasting from one to three years, and can serve as a stepping stone to academic, government, or industry careers.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral researchers working in composite materials, and how can they be addressed?

Postdoctoral researchers in composite materials often encounter challenges such as balancing independent research with collaborative projects, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies, and securing funding for their work. Navigating interdisciplinary collaborations—often involving chemists, engineers, and industry partners—can require strong communication and project management skills. To address these challenges, postdocs are encouraged to actively seek mentorship, attend professional development workshops, and participate in networking opportunities, all of which can support both their research objectives and career advancement.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Composite Material vs Postdoctoral Materials Scientist?

AspectPostdoctoral Composite MaterialPostdoctoral Materials Scientist
Required CredentialsPh.D. in Materials Science, Engineering, or related fieldPh.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs focused on composite materials developmentResearch labs or industrial R&D in various materials
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, aerospace, automotiveUniversities, research institutes, manufacturing, tech companies

Postdoctoral Composite Material roles focus specifically on research related to composite materials, including their design, testing, and application. In contrast, Postdoctoral Materials Scientist positions have a broader scope across various materials, not limited to composites. Both roles require advanced degrees and research experience, but the focus area distinguishes them. Understanding these differences helps candidates target the right opportunities in the materials science field.

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Composite Material job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Electrochemistry, Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage (Fuel Cells, Hydrogen Production,...

Electrochemistry, Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage (Fuel Cells, Hydrogen Production,...

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Description
Job Title Electrochemistry, Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage (Fuel Cells, Hydrogen Production, CO2 Reduction, Flow Batteries) PostDoc
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name MPA-11/ Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices/Materials Chemistry
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
What You Will Do
The Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices Group (MPA-11) is seeking postdoctoral candidates to work on a range of fundamental and applied research projects in acidic and alkaline polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs, AEMFCs), PEM, AEM and liquid alkaline electrolysis, unitized reversible fuel cells (URFCs), CO2 reduction and flow batteries. Research opportunities include electrocatalysis (precious metals and non-precious metals), ion exchange membranes, catalyst layer architectures, component and cell durability, water management, porous transport layers, cell operation and testing including the effect of impurities, synthesis/characterization of novel materials including nanoscale catalysts, supports and polymer membranes, and non-aqueous flow battery materials and system development.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrated strong background in one of the following areas:
  • Electrochemistry
  • Polymer/organic synthesis/characterization
  • Nanostructured material synthesis/characterization
  • Microfabrication and thin film deposition
  • Electrocatalysis/electrocatalysts
  • Electrode design, fabrication and characterization
  • Electrochemical testing (fuel cell, water electrolyzer, CO2 electrolyzer, redox flow cell)

Candidates must also have:
  • Excellent publication record in the field of required expertise
  • Very good command of spoken and written English; very good communication skills
  • Ability to develop and implement new research ideas, and to design and perform advanced experiments
  • Strong motivation and ability to work independently
  • Ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi-disciplinary research environment and interact successfully with a variety of research & development, and commercial organizations

Education/Experience: Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed, is required.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas is desired:
  • Experience in electrochemical characterization for electrodes and catalyst/electrolyte interfaces
  • Experience in organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, polymer blending/composite, and ionomer dispersion preparation;
  • Experience in the synthesis of nanostructured carbon-based materials, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), non-precious metal catalysts, or similar materials;
  • Experience in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles, including alloys, core-shell, and intermetallics;
  • Experience in electrochemical device testing including PEMFC, AEMFC, water electrolyzer, CO2 electrolyzer, and redox flow cell;
  • Familiarity with SEM, TEM, BET, XRD, XPS, XRF, NMR, Raman, FTIR, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and other materials characterization techniques;

Experience in mathematical modeling;
  • Shape-controlled metal nanocrystals and metal oxides
  • MOFs, COFs, and related materials
  • Mesoporous silica and related nanostructured materials
  • Soft templating methods based on surfactants and block copolymers
  • Synthesis of nanostructured interfaces or similar structures
  • Thin film deposition (ALD, CVD, sputtering, evaporation, etc.)
  • Inverse opal fabrication
  • Electrospinning
  • Microfluidic devices
  • Knowledge of electronics and of typical laboratory test instruments;
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and organize assignments so that schedules are met on time.

Work Location : The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
§ Dental and vision insurance
§ Free basic life and disability insurance
§ Paid childbirth and parental leave
§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs
§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Postdoc
Postdoc
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