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Trainee Graduate Materials Science information

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$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do trainee graduate materials science jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee graduate materials science in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Graduate Materials Scientist, you need a solid grounding in materials science or a related engineering discipline, supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, materials characterization techniques (such as SEM, XRD, or spectroscopy), and software like MATLAB or CAD is commonly expected. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, effective teamwork, and strong communication skills help you excel in collaborative research and problem-solving environments. These skills and qualities are essential for conducting accurate experiments, interpreting data, and contributing to the development of innovative materials solutions.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Trainee Graduate in Materials Science expect during their first year?

As a Trainee Graduate in Materials Science, you can expect to work on a variety of projects ranging from material characterization and testing to process optimization and research into new materials. Typically, your responsibilities will include conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing data, preparing technical reports, and collaborating with senior scientists and engineers. You’ll often work within multidisciplinary teams, providing support on ongoing projects and gradually taking on more independent tasks as you gain experience. This period is also a great opportunity to learn about the company’s products, manufacturing processes, and industry standards.

What does a Trainee Graduate Materials Scientist do?

A Trainee Graduate Materials Scientist works under the supervision of experienced scientists and engineers to study and develop materials used in various products and industries. Their tasks often include conducting experiments, analyzing material properties, preparing reports, and assisting in the development of new materials or improving existing ones. This role is typically an entry-level position for recent graduates and provides hands-on training in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and project management. Over time, trainees gain practical experience and knowledge that can lead to more specialized roles within materials science.

What is the difference between Trainee Graduate Materials Science vs Junior Materials Engineer?

AspectTrainee Graduate Materials ScienceJunior Materials Engineer
QualificationsTypically recent graduates with a degree in materials science or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in materials engineering or science, with some practical experience
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, research labs, or entry-level roles in manufacturing or R&DDesign, testing, and analysis in manufacturing plants, labs, or R&D departments
ResponsibilitiesLearning, assisting in projects, data collectionConducting experiments, analyzing materials, supporting engineering projects

While both roles involve materials science knowledge, a Trainee Graduate Materials Science position focuses on training and skill development, whereas a Junior Materials Engineer involves more hands-on engineering tasks and project responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Trainee Graduate Materials Science jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Graduate Materials Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Materials Science jobs? The most popular types of Graduate Materials Science jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Graduate Materials Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Graduate Materials Science jobs include:
Trainee Graduate Materials Science jobs near you
Experimental Materials Scientist / Engineer

Experimental Materials Scientist / Engineer

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

The mission of the Advanced Materials and Microsystems Group in the Advanced Technology Division is to research and develop a broad array of electronic, electro-optic, and RF materials and devices to develop leap-ahead capability in support of national security.  Our materials research enterprise spans the materials development cycle from computation and theory to growth, processing, and characterization, and complements RF, imager, and quantum computing technology development in the division. 

Job Description

The Advanced Materials and Microsystems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory seeks a technical staff to spearhead and grow the enterprise focused on experimental materials development for critical national security applications. Initial focus will be on new materials for microelectronics, including wide-bandgap semiconductors, such as the growth and doping of cubic boron nitride on diamond. Additional responsibilities will include the development of experimental methods as part of the AI-enabled rapid materials discovery team. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen and strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills. Occasional travel is required to meet with sponsors and participate in professional conferences. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and conduct hands-on experimental research in advanced materials synthesis, processing, and characterization
  • Help develop and execute a strategic roadmap for the materials enterprise, aligning experimental research with national security priorities
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for the new material synthesis and processing thrust of the AI-enabled rapid material discovery program
  • Define and propose new research and development opportunities with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry
  • Manage project timelines, budgets, and reporting to meet organizational and sponsor objectives
  • Lead, mentor, and participate in multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and collaboration
  • Write and publish technical reports, manuscripts, and proposals detailing research methods, findings, and strategic implications.

 

Requirements
  • PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or related field. Equivalent experience will be considered.
  • Demonstrated ability to create, fabricate, and analyze materials for specific applications and use cases 
  • Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and build teams
  • Active or eligible to obtain a Secret security clearance
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills, including ability to communicate experimental results to experts and non-experts, government sponsors, and internal stakeholders
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills

 

Desired Skills

  • Demonstrated ability to grow and process thin-film electronic materials
  • Thorough understanding of wide band gap semiconductor materials and their associated processing methods
  • Growth and processing expertise in cubic boron nitride (c-BN), diamond, or established and emerging wide-bandgap semiconductors
  • Expertise in material growth reactor and processing tool design and fabrication
  • Expertise in a broad array of inorganic material systems
  • Familiarity with computational materials science with linkage to experimental methods
  • Familiarity with semiconductor device physics
  • Experience in successfully guiding and leading interdisciplinary technical programs
  • Experience defining and executing technology roadmaps
  • Six or more years of post-graduate experience as an experimental materials researcher

Expertise outside the named disciplines will be considered for exceptional candidates

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200-$170,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200-$220,000

 

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—but not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
  • ... and much more!  

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

 

Requisition ID: 42457 

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