Postdoctoral Fellow; PREP

PREP Research Associate – CHIPS Funded Project

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) is seeking a Materials Scientist to lead metrology development in rheology, thermal analysis, and structure-property relationships for complex polymeric and composite materials. The position will support a CHIPS-funded collaboration with an academic institution, conducting high-level, independent research and translating cutting‑edge measurements into industry‑relevant metrics, reference methods, and standards.

• Design and execute rheological characterization of complex fluids and soft solids.
• Lead thermal and thermomechanical characterization.
• Characterize and model reactive/curing systems.
• Build structure-property insights through multimodal characterization.
• Author publications and present research to stakeholders.

U.S. Citizen Preferred.

• Ph.D. in polymer science, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Expertise in rheology, including orthogonal superposition rheology and large amplitude oscillatory shear rheology.
• Experience with thermal analysis (DSC and at least one of DMA, TGA, TMA, CTE, or thermal conductivity methods), including calibration and validation.
• Solid background in cure kinetics, chemorheology, and polymer physics.
• Experience with additive manufacturing (extrusion‑based and vat photopolymerization).
• Strong quantitative/data skills (Matlab, Python, Origin, JMP) for processing large datasets, fitting models, and producing publication-quality figures.
• Track record of technical writing (peer-reviewed papers, technical reports, SOPs) and communicating results to mixed audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, mentor students/postdocs, and coordinate cross‑functional collaborations.
• Ability to work on‑site in a laboratory setting in Gaithersburg, MD and meet all safety/training requirements.

Applicants should submit a CV/resume (maximum 3 pages, valid email address only) and the following additional items: self‑portrait, phone number, home address/country, citizenship status, languages spoken, and sex/gender.

The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University’s good faith belief at the time of posting. The actual compensation may vary based on geographic location, skills, work experience, internal equity, and market conditions.

The United States government is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.