Research Scientist - Ceramist
$89,300–$89,300 year
On-siteNiskayuna, New York, United States
Job Summary
Design and optimize advanced ceramic coating chemistries for thermal barrier systems, focusing on dopant selection, phase stabilization, and compositional tailoring for extreme turbine environments. Establish microstructure-property-performance relationships under cyclic thermal and mechanical loading while evaluating degradation mechanisms such as TGO evolution and oxidation. Lead high-temperature testing programs including burner rig and thermal cycling assessments, then collaborate with process engineers to translate laboratory findings into scalable deposition methods like APS and EB-PVD. Drive innovation through publications, patents, and proposal development, while identifying collaborative relationships with academic institutions and industry partners to advance future product roadmaps.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
- 3+ years of experience in advanced ceramics, coatings, high-temperature alloys, computational materials science, or related materials technologies through doctoral research, publications, internships, or other relevant research experience
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance
- U.S. Citizenship
- Willingness to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, NY
Desired Qualifications
- Designing and modifying ceramic coating chemistries
- Phase equilibria, thermodynamics, and high-temperature kinetics of ceramic materials
- High-temperature alloy design and behavior, including phase stability, oxidation resistance, creep, diffusion, and environmental degradation
- High-temperature oxidation, corrosion, and environmental degradation mechanisms
- Integrated computational and experimental approaches for advanced materials development, including CALPHAD, computational thermodynamics, materials informatics, machine learning, finite element modeling, or related tools
- Bridging computational predictions with experimental validation to establish composition-process-microstructure-property-performance relationships in advanced materials systems
- Strong background in microstructural characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, EBSD, EDS) and thermal/mechanical property evaluation
- Practical knowledge of safety practices related to experimental design and laboratory operations
- Experience working with coating deposition technologies relevant to turbine components
- Research experience in ceramic coatings, high-temperature materials, thermal barrier coatings, environmental barrier coatings, or related advanced materials systems
- Experience developing next-generation TBC chemistries beyond conventional systems, including strong understanding of thermodynamics, degradation kinetics, phase stability, and diffusion in high-temperature material systems
- Familiarity with computational thermodynamics (CALPHAD), ICME methodologies, materials modeling, or materials informatics tools for materials design and optimization
- Demonstrated research accomplishments through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, patents, collaborative research projects, or other scholarly achievements
- Experience contributing to research proposals, fellowship applications, or externally funded research programs
- Demonstrated ability to independently conduct research and communicate technical findings through publications, presentations, and technical reports
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
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