Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004204)

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University is seeking a PREP Research Associate to support a broad range of projects under the NIST PREP program. The role involves conducting technical work that underpins scientific research and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams.

The candidate will design experiments, analyze polymeric materials, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications while mentoring students and coordinating partner efforts within the program.

Qualifications

• PhD in materials science, polymer science, fiber science, chemical engineering, or related discipline.
• Expertise in molecular spectroscopy, with experience analyzing single fibers.
• Hands-on experience with thermal analysis (DSC, DMA/TGA/TMA).
• Experience with complex materials (high-strength fibers, composite armor, or structural composites).
• Background in polymer viscoelasticity and physics.
• Strong quantitative/data skills (Matlab/Python/Origin).
• Demonstrated record of technical writing and public speaking.
• Ability to lead projects, mentor students/postdocs, and coordinate collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute thermomechanical characterization of polymeric/composite systems.
• Develop techniques to fabricate model fiber/composite systems with novel properties.
• Lead thermal, thermomechanical, and chemical/structural characterization of materials.
• Author peer‑reviewed publications and present research to stakeholders.
• Support collaborative programs and deliver stakeholder technical solutions.

Skills

Molecular spectroscopy

Data analysis

Public speaking

Technical writing

Project leadership

Education

Ph.D. in materials science, polymer science, fiber science, chemical engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Matlab

Python

Origin

Job description

PREP Research Associate

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. The role requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

Research Title

Fiber, composites, and polymer scientist

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute thermomechanical characterization of polymeric/composite systems
• Develop techniques to fabricate model fiber/composite systems with novel properties
• Lead thermal, thermomechanical, and chemical/structural characterization of materials
• Author peer‑reviewed publications and present research to stakeholders
• Support collaborative programs and deliver stakeholder technical solutions

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in materials science, polymer science, fiber science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
• Expertise in molecular spectroscopy, with experience analyzing single fibers
• Hands‑on experience with thermal analysis (DSC, DMA/TGA/TMA)
• Experience working with complex materials (high‑strength fibers, composite armor, or structural composites)
• Background in polymer viscoelasticity and physics
• Strong quantitative/data skills (Matlab/Python/Origin)
• Demonstrated record of technical writing and public speaking
• Ability to lead projects, mentor students/postdocs, and coordinate collaborations

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in long‑term reliability studies

Salary Range

The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors or demographic characteristics that are irrelevant to the program involved.