Fiber Composite Researcher
Fiber & Composite Polymer Materials Science Researcher
Project Description:
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/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
Desired Qualifications:
- U.S. Citizens Preferred
- 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
- Experience in long-term reliability studies
Other Details:
- Full-time: the participant is expected to work 40 hours a week
- Location: the participant will work at the NIST Gaithersburg Campus.
- Duration: this is expected to be a one-year position. Extensions are sometimes granted depending on the availability of funds.