Postdoctoral Fellow - Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering

West Virginia University; Morgantown (WV); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

West Virginia University invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering to advance processing and testing of solid-oxide fuel cells and related electrolyzer materials. The role will involve experimental work, literature review, and dissemination of results.

The position supports ongoing grant-funded research with potential continuation subject to federal funding.

Qualifications

• Earned doctoral degree in the time of appointment in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, physics, or related disciplines.
• Expertise in synthesis and characterization of oxide powders and ceramic materials.
• Experience with forming/consolidation and thermal processing of ceramic structures and with electrical or electrochemical testing.

Responsibilities

• Research SOFC/SOEC forming and sintering processes and characterize materials.
• Conduct electrochemical testing of ionic and mixed-conductive materials.
• Present findings at conferences and prepare reports and manuscripts.
• Assist with identifying and pursuing funding from public, private, and governmental sources.

Education

Doctoral degree in Chemistry / Materials Science / Chemical Engineering / Physics or related disciplines

Tools

Ceramic synthesis equipment

Electrochemical testing equipment

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow - Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering

United States, West Virginia, Morgantown

Description

The Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering (MMAE) in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University (WVU) invites applications for the position of Post-Doctoral Fellow in the general area of Materials Science and Engineering, with the research area focused on the research and development of advanced methods for processing solid-oxide fuel and electrolysis cells (SOFC/SOECs). This position is grant funded and the initial project phase will end on August 31, 2027. Continuation to subsequent phases of the project is expected to continue, but dependent on future available federal funding.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following: researching SOFC/SOEC forming and sintering processes; electrochemical testing of SOFC/SOECs; attending research conferences and reading scientific literature to keep abreast of technological advances and current research findings; identifying and assisting with the acquisition of funding from public, private, and governmental sources; searching scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for research goals; performing laboratory and field experiment activities according to protocol; overseeing research facilities and personnel; writing and presenting research/study status reports for review and use of the Principal Investigator; preparing results of experimental findings for presentation to colleagues and the sponsor at professional/technical conferences; and/or, for publication in scientific journals, as directed.

West Virginia University is the State's comprehensive Land Grant University with an enrollment of about 26,000 students and a R1 Carnegie Classification. The WVU Morgantown campus offers over 300 majors in a college town named "#1 Best Small City in the East" by Guide to Life in America's Small Cities. Morgantown, population 30,855, was also among Livability's top 10 best places to raise a family and is within easy traveling distance of Washington, D.C., to the east; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the north; and Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, to the northwest.

The Statler College is nationally recognized for high-quality teaching, excellent research, and outstanding faculty and students. Statler College is growing and currently has seven academic departments, over 2,700 students, 140+ faculty members and about $54 Million in annual external research expenditures. The Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering (MMAE) Department has 30 faculty members and approximately 660 undergraduate students and 100 graduate students.

Morgantown is a safe, inclusive, and family-friendly community. WVU provides faculty members with a supportive environment for developing a visible and productive career (https://talentandculture.wvu.edu/new-employees) and a range of progressive policies to support work-life integration (https://faculty.wvu.edu/policies-and-procedures/work-life-integration). WVU also offers a Dual Career Program to assist partners in their career transition and job search.

Qualifications

Eligible candidates must hold an earned doctoral degree (at the time of appointment) in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, physics, or related disciplines and expertise in the synthesis and characterization of ceramic materials. Applicants must also have expertise in one of the following areas: synthesis and characterization of oxide powder and nanomaterials; forming/consolidation and thermal processing of ceramic monolithic structures; electrical or electrochemical testing of ionic and/or mixed conductive materials.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.

For further questions or additional information, please contact Dr. Edward Sabolsky via email at [e-mail] or visit the MMAE website at http://www.mae.statler.wvu.edu .