Postdoctoral Associate, Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering Boston, MA

Boston University; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston University’s Mesostructured Materials and Devices Lab is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate in Mechanical Engineering to advance next‑generation energy storage technologies. You will join an interdisciplinary, collaborative team working on battery cell designs, material synthesis, and safety evaluations at the Charles River Campus in Boston.

The initial appointment is for one year with potential renewal, starting in Oct/Nov 2026.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related engineering or physical science field is required.
• Strong experimental research background with abilities in at least two of the following areas: battery development/testing; hermetic sealing/packaging; metal plating; safety of materials/batteries; electronic contacting of devices.
• Excellent communication skills are required.
• Interest in entrepreneurship is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel battery cell designs and architecture.
• Electrochemical synthesis and deposition of materials.
• Analyze the results of electrochemical experiments and characterization.
• Perform and analyze flammability and safety tests on materials and devices.
• Sealing/coating, contacting, and packaging of sensitive energy storage devices.
• Iterate and improve on custom cell fabrication, from materials to assembly methods to cell design.
• Prepare frequent technical reports and present results to team and funding entities.

Skills

Battery development

Sealing and packaging

Metal plating

Safety and flammability

Electronic wiring

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Entrepreneurial interest

Education

PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Associate, Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering

Tracking Code

26599937770921

Posted Date

9/21/2026

Minimum Salary

$67,500.00

Maximum Salary

$80,000.00

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training and internal pay comparison. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

The Mesostructured Materials and Devices Lab at Boston University led by Prof. Joerg Werner is looking for one or more postdoctoral associates to join a team of interdisciplinary researchers developing and establishing an advanced battery cell technology. Successful candidates are entrepreneurial-minded, work well with others in a highly collaborative project, exhibit team leadership potential, and are motivated by the prospect of launching the next generation of energy storage devices. General information about the Werner group at sites.bu.edu/wernerlab/.

The initial appointment is for one year with an expected start date of October or November 2026 and the possibility of renewal on a yearly basis. The position is on site at the Boston University Charles River Campus in Boston MA.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Develop novel battery cell designs and architecture
• Electrochemical synthesis and deposition of materials
• Analyze the results of electrochemical experiments and characterization
• Perform and analyze flammability and safety tests on materials and devices
• Sealing/coating, contacting, and packaging of sensitive energy storage devices
• Iterate and improve on custom cell fabrication, from materials to assembly methods to cell design
• Prepare frequent technical reports, present results to research team and funding entities

Required Skills

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related engineering or physical science field is required.
• A strong experimental research background and abilities are required in at least two of the following areas
  • Battery or electrochemical cell development and testing
  • Hermetic sealing and packaging
  • Metal plating (electroless and galvanic)
  • Safety and flammability of materials, packaging, and/or batteries
  • Electronic contacting and wiring of sensitive devices
• Experience working within a collaborative R&D team is desirable, being comfortable in an interdisciplinary research environment and team is a requirement.
• Excellent communication skills are required.
• Interest in entrepreneurship is strongly preferred.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mechanical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.