Materials Research Scientist

Core4ce Careers; Upper Valley Trailer Court (OH); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Training & certifications

Tuition assistance

Parental leave

Generous holidays

Internal innovation funding

Job summary

Core4ce seeks an entry-level Ph.D. scientist to support an advanced materials program spanning single-crystal growth, coating deposition, and solid-state characterization for defense applications.

You will assist a senior scientist across multiple project verticals, from bulk synthesis to devices and coated components, in a hands-on lab setting with government and academic partners. The role offers growth across materials synthesis, processing, and characterization, with evolving

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering or related field.
• Ability to obtain DoD Secret clearance.
• Hands-on crystal growth/synthesis experience in solid-state/inorganic materials.
• Experience with coating or thin-film deposition techniques.
• Knowledge of standard materials-characterization methods (XRD, SEM/EDX, spectroscopy).
• Strong lab discipline, meticulous record-keeping and technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Grow and process single crystals (hydrothermal and bulk methods) and synthesize inorganic/solid-state materials.
• Deposit coatings and assess quality, adhesion, and performance (plasma spray).
• Characterize materials and coatings using XRD, SEM/EDX, spectroscopy; assist data interpretation.
• Support fabrication, assembly, testing of prototype devices and coated components.
• Operate and maintain lab instrumentation and ultra-high vacuum systems as needed.
• Collaborate with university and industry partners on shared deliverables.
• Document experimental work and contribute to reports, white papers, proposals.
• Follow lab safety protocols including radiation safety.

Skills

Crystal growth

Thin-film deposition

Materials characterization

Lab discipline & writing

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

COMSOL

DFT

MCNP

Job description

Core4ce is seeking an entry-level Ph.D. scientist to support an advanced materials research and development program spanning single-crystal growth, coating deposition, and solid-state materials characterization for defense and national-security applications. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of synthetic chemistry and materials science, supporting a senior research scientist across multiple project verticals — from bulk crystal synthesis through fabricated devices and coated components. This is a hands-on, laboratory-intensive role well suited to a recent graduate who wants to build depth across materials synthesis, processing, and characterization while working alongside government and academic partners.

Responsibilities:

• Grow and process single crystals (including hydrothermal and other bulk crystal-growth methods) and synthesize inorganic and solid-state materials across a range of chemical systems.
• 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.

This position is designed to be flexible, with responsibilities evolving to meet business needs and enable individual growth.

Requirements:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience with plasma spray deposition.
• Experience handling radioactive materials and associated radiation-safety training.
• Familiarity with extreme-environment materials (e.g., high-temperature or thermal-protection coatings) and/or radiation-detection instrumentation.
• Modeling and design tools: SolidWorks (CAD), COMSOL, DFT, and/or MCNP.
• Experience building or maintaining ultra-high vacuum and spectroscopy systems.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications and/or collaborative research with government or academic partners.

Why Work for Us?

Core4ce is a team of innovators, self-starters, and critical thinkers—driven by a shared mission to strengthen national security and advance warfighting outcomes.

We offer:

• 401(k) with 100% company match on the first 6% deferred, withimmediatevesting
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage—employee portion paid 100% by Core4ce
• Unlimitedaccess totrainingand certifications, with no pre-set cap on eligible professional development
• Tuition assistancefor job-related degrees and courses
• Paidparental leave, PTO that grows with tenure, and generous holiday schedules
• Got a big idea? At Core4ce,The Forgegives every employee the chance to propose bold innovations and help bring them to life with internal backing.

Join us to build a career that matters—supported by a company that invests in you.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, veteran status, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

*Core4ce provides the listed pay range for this position as a general guideline only and not as a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final offers may take into account a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, job responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, market data alignment, any applicable collective bargaining agreement, and other legal requirements.