1

Postdoctoral Materials Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$99 - $111/hr

Postdoctoral Researcher - Machine Learning for Materials Science Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher - Machine Learning for Materials Science within the ...

Posted today

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 postdoctoral scholar. The position will involve machine learning ...

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is seeking a postdoctoral scholar. The final candidate will be expected to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Postdoctoral Materials Science information

See salary details

$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do postdoctoral materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 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 is a postdoctoral materials scientist?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a postdoctoral materials scientist?

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 are 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 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:

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Materials Science job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% 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 $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Researcher - Machine Learning for Materials Science

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

On-site

$99 - $111/hr

Other

Posted 8 hours ago

Posted today


Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher – Machine Learning for Materials Science

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher – Machine Learning for Materials Science within the Molecular Foundry division. Molecular Foundry is a Department of Energy-funded nanoscience research user facility that provides access to cutting-edge expertise and instrumentation in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment to scientists from around the world. Through a peer-reviewed applications process, scientists gain access to our facilities and become users of our scientific tools and expertise.


The Postdoctoral Researcher will work at the Molecular Foundry in collaboration with researchers from Argonne National Lab and Oak Ridge National Lab on a collaborative Department of Energy funded project “AlphaFold for Microelectronics”. The role will be to develop data infrastructure to capture and curate both experimental and simulation data and collaboratively build machine learning models to predict behavior of novel materials for memristor applications. This is an opportunity to contribute to a vibrant research community dedicated to doing excellent science in a supportive and inclusive environment.


You will:



  • Collaborate with scientists in developing workflows to capture data and metadata for both experiments and simulations and store them in the Crucible data platform.

  • Collaborate with experimental and computational researchers to define appropriate metadata, data-quality requirements, and analysis-ready data structures.

  • Develop machine learning models that integrate multimodal experimental and simulation data.

  • Contribute to the development of Crucible Data Platform using software best practices.

  • Present research results at national conferences and author publications.


We are looking for:



  • Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, Computer Science or a closely related field.

  • Demonstrated knowledge of Python or another major programming language for data analysis and familiarity with machine learning approaches for data analysis.

  • Knowledge of Machine Learning methods for materials science applications.

  • Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and contribute to the planning of a scientific research program.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to organize technical/scientific information, publish in top journals, and present at conferences.

  • Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with a diverse interdisciplinary research team.


Additional information:



  • Appointment type: This is a full-time 2-year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.

  • Salary range: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. The salary range for this position is $99,192 - $110,808. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.

  • Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

  • Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at:Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here ).


Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov


Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.


Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here .

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom