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Postdoctoral Materials Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

Jon-Paul maria in the Penn State Materials Science and Engineering Department. This research ... We seek a postdoctoral researcher who will pursue these project goals by conducting the following ...

Swarthmore College

Postdoctoral Researcher

Swarthmore, PA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Postdoctoral Researcher Job no: 495592 Work type: Limited Term Full Time Location: Swarthmore ... We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a PhD in materials science, physics, applied ...

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How much do postdoctoral materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 Scholar - Materials Science and Engineering/Maria Group

Postdoctoral Scholar - Materials Science and Engineering/Maria Group

The Pennsylvania State University

On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

This posting is for a position within the research group of Dr. Jon-Paul maria in the Penn State Materials Science and Engineering Department.

This research project will design, fabricate, and characterize an all-rock-salt family of coherent Josephson junction heterostructures with exquisite structural and chemical fidelity. The team will pursue three heterostructure categories where the material contrast that produces the superconducting to non-superconducting interfacial property contrast involves a decreasing hierarchy of chemical, structural and ultimately defect-chemistry-based disorder. We seek a postdoctoral researcher who will pursue these project goals by conducting the following activities: (1) Synthesize thin film nitride heterostructures using sputter deposition instrumentation. (2) Perform physical characterization on thin films and heterostructures to quantify physical structure, crystal structure, chemical composition, morphology, thickness, and stress states. (3) Lead nanofabrication efforts to generate Josephson structures. (4) Perform low temperature and temperature dependent transport properties of nitride heterostructures and their component layers. (5) Document, interpret, and organize all data from depositions, characterizations, and property measurements. (6) Organize all data and learning into scientific manuscripts, quarterly reports, and presentations. (7) Coordinate the collective effort of a six-research group team at Penn State.
The final candidate will have demonstrated capabilities, determined through an interview process and a review of past research experience, that position them to complete the above-mentioned duties and responsibilities. The candidate will also have excellent communication skills (written and spoken) and excellent abilities to work in and organize a collaborative and interdisciplinary team.
Candidate must have a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or other comparable majors. Candidate should have experience in thin film growth, thin film characterization, and electrical property measurements.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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About Pennsylvania State University

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Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

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University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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