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Postdoctoral Materials Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SPECIFICS The Materials Science and Engineering Department, within the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to perform research under the ...

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is searching for a dynamic candidate for the position of Postdoctoral Scholar . The ...

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is looking for a postdoctoral scholar. The final candidate will have demonstrated capabilities, determined through an interview process and a ...

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Postdoctoral Materials Science information

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$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do postdoctoral materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral materials science 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 postdoctoral materials scientists?

Postdoctoral materials scientists are researchers who have completed their doctoral degree (PhD) in materials science or a related field and are engaged in advanced research, typically at a university, laboratory, or industrial setting. Their work involves designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and publishing findings to advance knowledge in materials science. Postdocs often collaborate with other scientists and may mentor graduate or undergraduate students. This position helps scientists further develop their expertise and prepare for independent research careers in academia, industry, or government.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral researchers in materials science, and how can they be managed?

Postdoctoral researchers in materials science often face challenges such as balancing independent research with collaborative projects, managing time between lab work and publishing, and securing funding for specialized experiments. Navigating interdisciplinary teams can also require strong communication skills, as research frequently overlaps with fields like chemistry, engineering, or physics. Building strong mentorship networks and proactively seeking professional development opportunities can help address these challenges and support career advancement.

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

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Materials Scientist, you need a Ph.D. in materials science or a related field, strong research skills, and expertise in materials characterization and synthesis. Familiarity with analytical instruments (such as SEM, TEM, XRD), scientific programming languages, and experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals are typically expected. Critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and effective scientific communication are key soft skills for success in this role. These qualifications and skills are essential for advancing research, securing funding, and contributing to innovative scientific discoveries.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Materials Science vs Postdoctoral Chemistry?

AspectPostdoctoral Materials SciencePostdoctoral Chemistry
Required CredentialsPh.D. in Materials Science, Engineering, or related fieldPh.D. in Chemistry or related discipline
Work EnvironmentResearch labs focused on materials development, characterization, and applicationLaboratories emphasizing chemical synthesis, analysis, and reactions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, industry R&D in materials and nanotechnologyAcademic institutions, chemical companies, pharmaceutical R&D
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in materials research and developmentExploring chemistry-focused postdoctoral opportunities

Postdoctoral Materials Science and Postdoctoral Chemistry share similar credentials and research environments but focus on different scientific areas. Materials Science emphasizes developing and analyzing new materials, while Chemistry centers on chemical reactions and synthesis. Both roles are vital in research institutions and industry, but they cater to distinct research interests and applications.

More about Postdoctoral Materials Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Materials Science jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Materials Science job openings:
What states have the most Postdoctoral Materials Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral Materials Science jobs include:
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Materials Science and Engineering

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Materials Science and Engineering

University of North Texas System

Denton, TX โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Materials Science and Engineering

Apply now Job no: 514199
Work type: Staff
Location: Denton
Categories: Postdoctoral Research

Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate - Materials Science and Engineering

Employee Classification: Postdoctoral Research Assoc

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Engineering

Department: UNT-Materials Science & Engineer-130330

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidate's qualifications, experience, and discipline, in accordance with university guidelines and available funding.

FTE: 1.00

Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
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We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
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Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.
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Department Summary

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering provides a high quality education to our student population through excellence and innovation in teaching and research in order to serve the scientific and engineering needs of the state of Texas and the nation. This will be achieved by a balance of formal course work, practical laboratory training, and research projects that encompass both the basic science and the applied aspects of materials science and engineering.

Position Overview

The position of a postdoctoral research associate is available immediately in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of North Texas.
We are currently searching for a qualified candidate who will focus on research work related to compositionally / functionally graded alloys processed using additive manufacturing technologies. The activities will involve processing, advanced characterization of the microstructure and mechanical testing of these graded alloys.

Minimum Qualifications

Required qualifications include a Ph.D. degree in Metallurgical or Materials Science and Engineering or related field, at least two to five years of research experience and significant number of refereed scientific articles in high-quality journals demonstrating a strong background in physical metallurgy, phase transformations, titanium alloys, materials characterization (especially scanning and transmission electron microscopy, focused ion beam microscopy, and atom probe tomography), thermodynamics and computational modeling skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Job Duties

  • Conduct experiments, gather data, document research notes, code and analyze data, interpret data
  • Stay up to date with all trainings, and federal, state, university and department requirements
  • Keep up with historical and latest research data and publications
  • Prepare/Assist with reports of research progress to funding agencies
  • Help in preparing reviews and research proposal writingย 
  • Train graduate and undergraduate students and other junior colleagues in the research group and department as needed
  • Prepare manuscripts for publications in a timely manner and talks and posters for presentation at group meetings and conferencesย 

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

varies based on assignment

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.ย 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -and takes actions to prevent - discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.

Advertised: 29 May 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close:

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