Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004204)

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total rewards package supporting health and life

Career development opportunities

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a PREP Research Associate to join the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This role focuses on leading metrology development in thermomechanical analysis and polymer science. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, with expertise in statistical analysis and strong quantitative skills.

The successful candidate will design experiments, develop novel materials, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications. The position is ideal for someone with a passion for research in high-strength fibers and composite materials.

Qualifications

• 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).

Responsibilities

• Design and execute thermomechanical characterization of polymeric and composite systems.
• Develop techniques to fabricate model fiber/composite systems with novel properties.
• Lead thermal, thermomechanical, and chemical/structural characterization of materials.

Skills

Expertise in molecular spectroscopy

Hands-on experience with thermal analysis

Strong quantitative/data skills (Matlab, Python, Origin)

Education

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

Job description

Salary: $85,000 - $89,000

PREP Research Associate

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, and requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program brings 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

The work will entail

The Materials Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified candidates (U.S. citizens preferred) for a fiber, composites, and polymer scientist position to lead metrology development in thermomechanical/thermal analysis, chemical analysis, electron microscopy, and structure–property relationships for complex high strength fibers as well as polymeric and composite materials. This role requires hands‑on ownership of advanced instrumentation, development of robust and reproducible test methods, and translation of results into actionable guidance for materials design, performance evaluation, and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute thermomechanical characterization of polymeric and 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.

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, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. The University provides 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.

Total Rewards

Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports employees' health, life, career and retirement.