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Postdoctoral Materials Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

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 ...

The Pennsylvania State University

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering, in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is seeking a postdoctoral scholar. The final candidate will: *Perform experiments on developing and ...

The Pennsylvania State University

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 Pennsylvania State University

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 Jul 13, 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:
What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral Materials Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral Materials Science jobs are:
Postdoctoral Materials Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Materials Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Postdoctoral Fellow in Materials Science

Postdoctoral Fellow in Materials Science

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Harvard University rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 553 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position
Details
Title
Postdoctoral Fellow in Materials Science
School
Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Department/Area
Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering
Position Description
The Lewis Lab is seeking a postdoctoral fellow with expertise in one or more of the following areas: nanoparticle synthesis, colloidal science, rheology, or granular media. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team of researchers supported under a new ARO MURI award. The goal of this project is to develop a fundamental understanding of the transient yielding and printing behavior of highly heterogeneous particle systems.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates must have a Doctorate degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or Applied Physics by the time the appointment begins.
Additional Qualifications
Priority will be given to candidates with experience in particle synthesis, colloidal interactions, and rheological properties of dense particulate suspensions as well as a strong track record of prior research accomplishments, as demonstrated by high impact papers and/or patents.
Special Instructions
Interested applicants should send their application materials, including a CV, cover letter, research statement, 2-3 relevant publications, and names and email addresses of 3 references.
Contact Information
Jared Fujii
Faculty Coordinator, Lewis Lab
Contact Email
jfujii@seas.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$67,600 - $91,826
Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as rank, years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.
Minimum Number of References Required
3
Maximum Number of References Allowed
4
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