Postdoctoral Fellow: Experimental Materials Discovery and Synthesis

Carnegie Science; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 67,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Carnegie Science’s Earth & Planets Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral position focused on the synthesis and characterization of covalent framework materials with emerging properties.

The role emphasizes high‑pressure and high‑temperature synthesis, exploration of new materials and structure types, and characterization of their structural and physical properties in a collaborative, interdisciplinary setting with chemists, physicists and materials scientists.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science or related field is required.
• Expertise in solid-state chemistry/physics and structural/physical-property characterization is desired.
• Experience with crystal structure determination via single-crystal diffraction preferred.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize covalent framework materials under high-pressure/high-temperature conditions.
• Collaborate with experimental and computational scientists across disciplines.
• Contribute to fundamental materials discovery and development of new synthesis strategies.

Skills

Solid-state chemistry

Crystal structure determination

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Independent researcher

Education

PhD in physics, chemistry, or materials science

Tools

Single-crystal X-ray diffraction

Laser-heated diamond anvil cells

Large-volume press methods

Job description

Carnegie Science: Earth & Planets Laboratory

Location

Washington, DC

Open Date

Sep 09, 2026

Salary Range or Pay Grade

$78,280

Description

Carnegie Science’s Earth and Planets Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral position focused on the synthesis and characterization of novel covalent framework materials with emerging structural and functional properties. The research will emphasize the development and optimization of high‑pressure and high‑temperature synthesis approaches, exploration of new materials and structure types, and characterization of their structural and physical properties. The successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment alongside experimental and computational chemists, physicists, and materials scientists, with opportunities to contribute to both fundamental materials discovery and the development of new synthesis strategies. Please refer questions to [e-mail] .

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field is required. Desired qualifications include expertise in solid‑state chemistry and/or physics, along with experience in structural and physical‑property characterization. A strong background in crystal structure determination, particularly single‑crystal diffraction methods, is preferred. Experience with high‑pressure experimental techniques, including laser‑heated diamond anvil cells and/or large‑volume press methods, is also desirable. The successful candidate should be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary research team.

Carnegie Institution for Science has a long‑standing commitment to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.