Postdoctoral Scholar: Ferroelectric Dielectrics & MEMS Sensing

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Materials Research Institute invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct interdisciplinary research on functional dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric materials for memory and sensing applications. The scholar will work with Profs. Akkopru-Akgun and Trolier-McKinstry, balancing activities between both groups.

Under Prof. Akkopru-Akgun, the focus is on fluorite-type and wurtzite ferroelectrics, exploring defect chemistry, switching

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

• Conduct interdisciplinary research on functional dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric materials for memory and sensing applications.
• Collaborate with Prof. Akkopru-Akgun and Prof. Trolier-McKinstry across multiple projects, contributing equally to research activities.
• Investigate fluorite-type and wurtzite ferroelectrics for next-generation memory applications, focusing on defect chemistry and polarization switching.
• Fabricate thin film and bulk single crystal MEMS devices, including design, fabrication, and testing.
• Engage in device modeling or simulation and analyze results to guide experiments.

Skills

Electrical characterization

P-E measurements

Dielectric spectroscopy

Impedance spectroscopy

Data analysis

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering or related field

Tools

MEMS fabrication

Lithography & etching

Metallization

Device modeling/simulation

Job description

The Pennsylvania State University’s Materials Research Institute invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct interdisciplinary research on functional dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric materials for memory and sensing applications. The scholar will work with Profs. Akkopru-Akgun and Trolier-McKinstry, balancing activities between both groups.

Under Prof. Akkopru-Akgun, the focus is on fluorite-type and wurtzite ferroelectrics, exploring defect chemistry, switching