2026 PhD Graduate - Postdoctoral Researcher - Printable Polymers

About the role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainable Printable Polymers to develop next-generation polymer feedstocks and processing strategies for additive manufacturing and replacement of legacy, supply chain constrained materials.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize bio-manufactured polymer feedstock formulations for 3D printing.
• Formulate and refine thermoplastic and composite polymers for extrusion-based additive manufacturing for engineering applications.
• Tailor rheological and thermal properties to ensure consistent printability and dimensional stability.
• Create and characterize multifunctional polymer composites, including replacement of legacy or supply-constrained materials.
• Design and execute processing workflows to produce repeatable, high-quality feedstocks from varied starting material.
• Develop novel design strategies for maximizing material and component performance.
• Design material architectures and print strategies to enhance performance beyond bulk material limits.
• Explore process-structure-property relationship, linking additive manufacturing parameters with material behavior to optimize part performance.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in polymer materials, including formulation, processing, or characterization.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing techniques, particularly extrusion-based methods.
• Familiarity with bio-derived polymers, sustainable materials, or recycled feedstocks.
• Able to obtain a Secret level security clearance.

Benefits

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) offers a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development.

Pay

$85,300 - $155,500 Annually

Schedule

Full-time