Materials Science and Rheology of Complex Polymeric and Composite Materials
Listed on 2026-10-11
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Research/Development
Research Scientist -
Engineering
Research Scientist
The Material Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking a qualified materials scientist (U.S. citizens preferred) to advance metrology development in rheology, thermal analysis, and structure–property relationships for complex polymeric and composite materials. The candidate will conduct high-level, independent research, translating cutting-edge measurements into industry-relevant metrics, reference methods/materials, and standards.
Duties- 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
- Ph.D. in polymer science, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
- Expertise in rheology, including advanced techniques such as orthogonal superposition rheology and large amplitude oscillatory shear rheology
- Experience with thermal analysis (DSC and at least one of DMA/TGA/TMA/CTE/thermal conductivity methods), including calibration/validation
- Solid background in cure kinetics, chemorheology, and polymer physics
- Experience with additive manufacturing (extrusion-based and vat photopolymerization)
- Strong quantitative/data skills (e.g., 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
This opportunity is to be an associate researcher in the NIST Materials Science and Engineering Division for a term of 1 year, with options to renew. Associate researchers are NOT Federal Employees, but they work along with NIST researchers and with NIST’s world-class instrumentation. Relocation expenses will not be provided. U.S. citizens hired into associate positions may have the opportunity to seek longer term Federal Employment.
Up to $120,510 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience
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