Postdoc: Ferroelectric MEMS & Memory Materials Research

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Materials Research Institute invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to investigate functional dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric materials for memory and sensing applications.

The scholar will collaborate with Prof. Betul Akkopru-Akgun and Prof. Susan Trolier-McKinstry, focusing on defect chemistry, switching, fatigue, retention, and MEMS-based sensing. The appointment is term-based and linked to university needs and funding.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience with electrical characterization of dielectric, piezoelectric, or ferroelectric materials.
• Experience with polarization–electric field (P–E) measurements, dielectric spectroscopy, leakage-current measurements, impedance spectroscopy, or related electrical characterization methods.
• Strong experimental skills and experience with data analysis and interpretation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

• Investigate fluorite-type and wurtzite ferroelectrics for next-generation memory applications.
• Fabricate thin-film and bulk single-crystal MEMS devices for multimodal sensing systems.
• Collaborate with researchers across multiple disciplines across groups led by Prof. Akkopru-Akgun and Prof. Trolier-McKinstry.

Job description

Penn State University’s Materials Research Institute invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to investigate functional dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric materials for memory and sensing applications.

The scholar will collaborate with Prof. Betul Akkopru-Akgun and Prof. Susan Trolier-McKinstry, focusing on defect chemistry, switching, fatigue, retention, and MEMS-based sensing. The appointment is term-based and linked to university needs and funding.