Lead Materials Scientist, Polymers & Rheology

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University is seeking a PREP Research Associate in Gaithersburg, MD to advance metrology development in rheology and thermal analysis for complex polymeric materials. The role involves leading independent research, translating measurements into industry-relevant metrics, methods, and standards, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The candidate will design rheological tests, model structure–property relationships, and contribute to publications while mentoring students

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in polymer science, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Expertise in rheology, including advanced techniques like 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) 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 (Matlab/Python/Origin/JMP) for processing large datasets, fitting models, and creating publication-quality figures.
• Track record of technical writing (peer-reviewed papers, reports, SOPs) and communicating results to mixed audiences.
• Proven ability to lead projects, mentor students/postdocs, and coordinate cross-functional collaborations.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Rheology Expertise

Thermal Analysis

Cure Kinetics

Additive Manufacturing

Data Analysis

Technical Writing

Project Leadership

Education

Ph.D. in polymer science / materials science / chemical engineering

Tools

Matlab

Python

Origin

JMP

Job description

Johns Hopkins University is seeking a PREP Research Associate in Gaithersburg, MD to advance metrology development in rheology and thermal analysis for complex polymeric materials. The role involves leading independent research, translating measurements into industry-relevant metrics, methods, and standards, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The candidate will design rheological tests, model structure–property relationships, and contribute to publications while mentoring students