Hands-on Thermoelectric Materials Research Technician

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering seeks a motivated Research Technician to support thermoelectric materials and device development. You will assist with synthesis, powder processing, consolidation, device fabrication, and performance measurements.

Ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in a related field and has hands‑on experimental experience. The role offers hands-on laboratory work, data documentation, and collaboration in a safety-conscious research

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Basic understanding of materials synthesis, processing, and characterization.
• Interest in hands‑on experimental research and laboratory equipment operation.

Responsibilities

• Assist in synthesis and preparation of thermoelectric materials, including alloy preparation and powder processing.
• Perform materials consolidation using SPS, hot pressing, and extrusion.
• Support thermoelectric device fabrication: cutting, polishing, metallization, bonding, and module assembly.
• Conduct electrical and thermal transport measurements for performance testing.
• Assist with testing of thermoelectric modules for power generation and cooling applications.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, document procedures, organize data, and analyze results.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures and maintain a clean research environment.

Skills

Hands-on research

Lab equipment operation

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

B.S. in related field

Tools

Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS)

Hot Pressing

Extrusion

Job description

Penn State University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering seeks a motivated Research Technician to support thermoelectric materials and device development. You will assist with synthesis, powder processing, consolidation, device fabrication, and performance measurements.

Ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in a related field and has hands‑on experimental experience. The role offers hands-on laboratory work, data documentation, and collaboration in a safety-conscious research