Part-Time Research Technician - Poudel Group - Materials Science and Engineering

The Pennsylvania State University; 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

Part-Time Research Technician - Poudel Group - Materials Science and Engineering

United States, Pennsylvania, University Park

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 in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is seeking applicants for part-time job of Research Technician.

Job duties to include:

• Assist with synthesis and processing of functional ceramic materials, particularly ferroelectric and dielectric ceramics, 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.

Requirements, qualifications, and/or competencies:

• 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.

Expected 30 hours per week.

Compensation:

The starting rate for this job is $20/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.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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