PhD Graduate - Postdoctoral Researcher - Printable Polymers

Are you interested in developing polymer materials that can be reliably processed into functional components to solve our nation’s hardest challenges?

Are you motivated to translate bio-derived or recycled polymers into scalable, high-performance manufacturing solutions?

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainable Printable Polymers to develop next‑generation polymer feed stocks and processing strategies for additive manufacturing and replacement of legacy, supply chain constrained materials. This role focuses on converting bio‑derived and recycled polymers into printable materials and structural, adhesive, and thermal components, while leveraging design strategies that improve performance for national security applications. You will work at the interface of polymer science, materials engineering, and advanced manufacturing to help bridge the gap between material development and manufacturing implementation.

• Formulate and refine thermoplastic and composite polymers for extrusion‑based additive manufacturing for engineering applications.
• Tailor rheological and thermal properties to ensure consistent printability and dimensional stability.
• Design and execute processing workflows to produce repeatable, high‑quality feed stocks from varied starting material.
• Develop polymer composites with targeted properties using fillers, reinforcements, or bio‑derived constituents.
• Identify and demonstrate alternatives to legacy or supply‑limited materials, balancing performance and manufacturability.
• Design material architectures and print strategies to enhance performance beyond bulk material limits.
• Explore process‑structure‑property relationships, linking additive manufacturing parameters with material behavior to optimize part performance.

• Have a PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Have experience in polymer materials, including formulation, processing, or characterization.
• Have familiarity with additive manufacturing techniques, particularly extrusion‑based methods.
• Have experience with bio‑derived polymers, sustainable materials, or recycled feed stocks.
• Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond if you …

• Have developed custom printing approaches informed by engineering requirements.
• Have experience with polymer binders, energetic materials, or materials for austere and distributed manufacturing environments.
• Have experience translating materials from lab‑scale development to manufacturing processes.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations.

Minimum Rate: $85,300 Annually

Maximum Rate: $155,500 Annually