Part-Time Ceramic Materials Research Technician

Penn State Lady Lions; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State's Poudel Group in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at University Park, PA, seeks a part-time Research Technician to assist in synthesis, processing, and characterization of ceramic materials.

You will collaborate with graduate students, research staff, and external partners, supporting experimental setup, data collection, and reporting. Prior ceramic processing experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant research experience.
• Prior hands-on laboratory experience in ceramic materials synthesis, processing, and characterization.
• Experience with ferroelectric or dielectric materials and associated device fabrication/testing is preferred.
• Experience with ceramic processing techniques, particularly tape casting, additive manufacturing, and high-temperature sintering, is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with materials characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, and electrical measurements, is preferred.
• Ability to independently conduct experiments, analyze results, and maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with synthesis and processing of functional ceramic materials using conventional and advanced powder processing techniques.
• Perform ceramic fabrication using powder compaction, sintering, tape casting, and additive manufacturing techniques.
• Support fabrication, assembly, and electrical testing of ceramic-based devices.
• Conduct materials characterization, including microstructural analysis, phase identification, and electrical property measurements.
• Assist with experimental testbed development, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, document experimental procedures, and support preparation of technical reports and research publications.
• Collaborate with graduate students, research staff, faculty, and external research partners.
• Commit to approximately 30 hours per week.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Communication

Teamwork

Technical writing

Data analysis

Independent experimentation

Tape casting

Additive manufacturing

High-temperature sintering

XRD

SEM

Electrical measurements

Education

Bachelors/Master's in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramic Eng, Physics, or related field

Job description

Penn State's Poudel Group in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at University Park, PA, seeks a part-time Research Technician to assist in synthesis, processing, and characterization of ceramic materials.

You will collaborate with graduate students, research staff, and external partners, supporting experimental setup, data collection, and reporting. Prior ceramic processing experience is preferred.