Early-Career Materials Scientist: Crystal Growth & Coatings

tsu.edu; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health benefits

Tuition assistance

Vacation/PTO

Parental leave

Job summary

Core4ce is a team of innovators tackling advanced materials R&D for defense, spanning single-crystal growth, coating deposition, and solid-state characterization. The role supports a senior research scientist and collaborates with government and academic partners to advance projects from synthesis to prototype devices.

The position emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, data interpretation, and technical reporting, offering growth opportunities across materials synthesis, processing, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, or a closely related field; recent graduates encouraged to apply.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• Hands-on experience in crystal growth and/or solid-state / inorganic materials synthesis.
• Experience with one or more coating or thin-film deposition techniques.
• Working knowledge of standard materials-characterization methods (e.g., XRD, SEM/EDX, spectroscopy).
• Strong laboratory discipline, record-keeping, and technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Grow and process single crystals (including hydrothermal and other bulk crystal-growth methods) and synthesize inorganic and solid-state materials.
• Perform coating deposition and evaluate coating quality, adhesion, and performance, including plasma spray deposition.
• Characterize materials and coatings using techniques such as XRD, SEM/EDX, and optical/electron spectroscopy; assist with data reduction and interpretation.
• Support fabrication, assembly, and testing of prototype devices and coated components.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and, as needed, ultra-high vacuum systems.
• Coordinate and collaborate with university and business research partners on shared deliverables.
• Document experimental work and contribute technical content to program reports, white papers, and proposals.
• Follow all laboratory safety protocols, including radiation safety and safe handling of materials where applicable.

Skills

Crystal growth

Laboratory skills

Data analysis

Technical writing

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry / Materials Science & Engineering

Tools

XRD

SEM/EDX

Spectroscopy

SolidWorks

COMSOL

DFT

Job description

Core4ce is a team of innovators tackling advanced materials R&D for defense, spanning single-crystal growth, coating deposition, and solid-state characterization. The role supports a senior research scientist and collaborates with government and academic partners to advance projects from synthesis to prototype devices.

The position emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, data interpretation, and technical reporting, offering growth opportunities across materials synthesis, processing, and