Part-Time Assistant Researcher - Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at a leading university seeks an assistant researcher to work part-time on thermoelectric materials. Candidates should have a Ph.D. and extensive experience in material synthesis, fabrication, and testing. Key responsibilities include conducting experiments, collaborating on projects, and contributing to technical reports. Strong communication and technical writing skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with high-zT thermoelectric materials (e.g., bismuth telluride).
• Knowledge of metallization development using vacuum deposition.
• Experience in thermoelectric property measurement and module fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Conduct materials synthesis and microscopy studies.
• Collaborate with academic and industry team members.
• Participate in development of project reports and proposals.

Skills

Communication

Technical writing

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in Engineering, Material Science, Physics or related fields

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is seeking applicants for part-time job of assistant researcher.

This position requires extensive experience in the areas of high-zT thermoelectric materials (e.g. bismuth telluride), thermoelectric-based cooling technology, metal coating, diffusion barriers, module fabrication, and module performance testing. The candidate should have experience with synthesizing the thermoelectric alloys using processes such as mechanical alloying and crystal growth and in measurement of transport properties. Further, the candidate should have experience with metallization development using vacuum deposition or other methods and knowledge of contact resistance quantification. These experiences will be evaluated based upon the prior peer-reviewed high impact factor journal publications. The candidate will conduct materials synthesis, microscopy and diffraction studies, thermoelectric property measurement and module fabrication. Thus, candidate with prior experience in fabrication of thermoelectric alloys is highly desired. Further, prior knowledge in modelling of thermoelectric properties and device performance is desired. The candidate will be actively collaborating with multiple academic and industry team members and thus good communication skills are desired. The candidate is expected to participate in development of project reports and proposals and thus good technical writing skills are highly desired.

The thermoelectric laboratory is located Steidrle Building at the Depatment of Materials Science and Engineering, Penn State University Park Campus. Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in Engineering, Material Science, Physics or related fields. Before the effective date of hire, applicants need to provide evidence of completion of the Ph.D. degree.

Application review will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until the position is filled. Interested applicants should send the following pdf documents (i) Cover letter, (ii) CV and (iii) Publications.

Compensation:

The starting rate for this job is $22.50/hour.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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