Research Scientist 1

MIT • Cambridge, MA

8d

About The Position

The Research Scientist 1 will conduct fundamental computational and experimental materials science research in the MIT Gas Turbine Laboratory, supported by multiple federally sponsored research programs and involving collaboration with groups outside the Laboratory. The research will advance scientific understanding of phase stability, transformation kinetics, and composition-processing-microstructure-property relationships in materials for extreme aerospace environments.

The Research Scientist will independently formulate research questions, design and carry out original investigations, and disseminate findings as a first author or co-author in peer-reviewed literature. No less than 90% of the appointment is devoted to fundamental research.

Requirements

• PhD or foreign equivalent terminal degree in materials science and engineering, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least two years of related experience in a research environment; graduate-student experience may count.
• Record of original published research in computational thermodynamics, physical metallurgy, or a closely related field, including first-author peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated expertise in computational thermodynamics and CALPHAD methods, using tools such as Thermo-Calc, Pandat, FactSage, or comparable platforms.
• Strong understanding of physical metallurgy, phase transformations, thermodynamics, kinetics, materials processing, and composition-processing-microstructure-property relationships.
• Experience conducting and interpreting experimental research on metallic, high-temperature, or other structural material systems.
• Ability to independently formulate research questions, design experiments, analyze complex datasets, translate results into improved predictive models, and publish findings in peer-reviewed literature.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental computational and experimental materials science research in the MIT Gas Turbine Laboratory.
• Advance understanding of phase stability, transformation kinetics, and composition-processing-microstructure-property relationships in materials for extreme aerospace environments.
• Collaborate with research groups outside the Laboratory as part of federally sponsored research programs.
• Independently formulate research questions and design and carry out original investigations.
• Analyze research findings and disseminate them in peer-reviewed literature as a first author or co-author.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree