Materials Microscopy Laboratory Manager

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a Materials Microscopy Laboratory Manager to lead microscopy and materials characterization within the Materials Sciences Group. This hands-on role combines lab operations ownership with direct research contributions, including equipment maintenance, sample prep, imaging, and developing advanced characterization methods.

Responsibilities include mentoring users, collaborating with scientists to create faster workflows, and planning

Qualifications

• Minimum 1+ year experience with metallographic sample preparation and microscopy.
• Experience operating SEM and EDS techniques.
• Experience owning laboratory equipment, facilities, or technical capabilities, including troubleshooting and coordinating maintenance or repairs.
• Strong organizational and communication skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to obtain Secret level security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate equipment maintenance, facilities needs, safety activities, service visits with vendors, and inventory replenishment, ensuring capabilities are safe and operational.
• Perform hands-on sample preparation and microscopy (metallography, optical, SEM).
• Own end-to-end metallography preparation and transform specimens into microscopy-ready samples.
• Conduct equipment training and mentor lab users to build a community around microscopy and characterization.
• Collaborate with researchers to develop novel characterization approaches and optimized workflows.
• Help define future investments and carry new capabilities from acquisition to adoption.

Skills

Metallography

Optical microscopy

Scanning Electron Microscopy

EDS analysis

Laboratory operations

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering

Master's degree in Materials Science or related field

Tools

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

EBSD

EDS instrumentation

Job description

Description

Do you enjoy turning challenging materials problems into new approaches for sample preparation, imaging, and analysis?

Are you interested in owning and advancing state-of-the-­art microscopy and materials characterization capabilities?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Materials Microscopy Laboratory Manager to lead and advance microscopy and materials characterization capabilities within the Material Sciences Group. This is a hands‑on role combining ownership of laboratory operations with direct technical contributions to research programs. Approximately half of the role will focus on ownership and advancement of the microscopy laboratory, including equipment operation and maintenance, facilities, safety, and future capability development. The remaining time will support sample preparation, imaging, analysis, and development of new characterization approaches for challenging materials problems.

As a Materials Microscopy Laboratory Manager, you will...

• Coordinate equipment maintenance, facilities needs, safety activities, service visits with vendors, and laboratory consumables inventory and replenishment, while identifying opportunities to improve how the laboratory operates and ensuring capabilities are safe, reliable, and operationally ready.
• Perform hands‑on sample preparation and microscopy, including metallography, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.
• Be regarded as a specialist in metallography and take ownership of end‑to‑end sample preparation, transforming as‑received specimens into microscopy‑ready specimens.
• Conduct equipment training and mentor laboratory users to build a strong community around microscopy and materials characterization.
• Partner with scientists and engineers to develop novel and accelerated characterization approaches, improved workflows, and other innovations for the needs of different research programs and challenges.
• Help define future investments in microscopy and characterization equipment and establish new capabilities from acquisition through implementation and user adoption.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications if you...

• Have a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• Have 1+ year experience with metallographic sample preparation, microscopy, and materials characterization, microscopy, and metallographic sample preparation.
• Have experience operating scanning electron microscopes and analytical techniques such as EDS.
• Have experience taking ownership of laboratory equipment, facilities, or technical capabilities, including troubleshooting and coordinating maintenance or repairs.
• Have strong organizational and communication skills and enjoy working across multidisciplinary research teams.
• Are able to obtain 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 our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgy, or a related field.
• Have experience managing or developing a shared microscopy or characterization laboratory.
• Have experience with advanced techniques such as EBSD, FIB, automated microscopy, quantitative image analysis, or other advanced characterization methods.
• Have developed new sample preparation, imaging, or analysis methods for challenging or novel materials.
• Have experience introducing automation, machine learning, or data‑driven approaches to microscopy and materials characterization.
• Have experience helping select, acquire, commission, or develop new laboratory equipment and capabilities.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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 [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$195,000 Annually