Materials Research Scientist

About the Role

Core4ce is seeking an entry-level Ph.D. scientist to support an advanced materials research and development program. This role focuses on single-crystal growth, coating deposition, and solid-state materials characterization for defense and national-security applications. The position is hands-on and laboratory-intensive, suitable for a recent graduate.

Key Responsibilities

• Grow and process single crystals (including hydrothermal and other bulk crystal-growth methods) and synthesize inorganic and solid-state materials.
• Perform coating deposition and evaluate coating quality, adhesion, and performance, including plasma spray deposition.
• Characterize materials and coatings using techniques such as XRD, SEM/EDX, and optical/electron spectroscopy; assist with data reduction and interpretation.
• Support fabrication, assembly, and testing of prototype devices and coated components.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and, as needed, ultra-high vacuum systems.
• Coordinate and collaborate with university and business research partners.
• Document experimental work and contribute technical content to program reports, white papers, and proposals.
• Follow all laboratory safety protocols.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• Hands-on experience in crystal growth and/or solid-state / inorganic materials synthesis.
• Experience with one or more coating or thin-film deposition techniques.
• Working knowledge of standard materials-characterization methods (e.g., XRD, SEM/EDX, spectroscopy).
• Strong laboratory discipline, record-keeping, and technical writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with plasma spray deposition.
• Experience handling radioactive materials and associated radiation-safety training.
• Familiarity with extreme-environment materials (e.g., high-temperature or thermal-protection coatings) and/or radiation-detection instrumentation.
• Experience with modeling and design tools: SolidWorks (CAD), COMSOL, DFT, and/or MCNP.
• Experience building or maintaining ultra-high vacuum and spectroscopy systems.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications and/or collaborative research.