Postdoctoral Scholar - Ferroelectric Materials and MEMS

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

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.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Materials Research Institute (MRI) at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct interdisciplinary research on functional dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric materials for emerging memory and sensing applications.

ThePostdoctoral Scholar will work collaboratively with Prof. Betul Akkopru-Akgunand Prof. Susan Trolier-McKinstry, contributing approximately equally to research activities in both groups. Under the direction of Prof. Betul Akkopru-Akgun, thePostdoctoral Scholar will investigatefluorite-type and wurtzite ferroelectrics for next-generation memory applications, focusing on the relationships betweendefect chemistry, intermediate switching states, polarization switching, fatigue, and retention. In collaboration with Prof. Trolier-McKinstry, the scholar will work on on fabrication of thin film and bulk single crystal microelectromechanical systems for multimodal sensing systems. This will include design, fabrication, and testing of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work at the intersection of functional materials, ferroelectrics, electrical characterization, microfabrication, and MEMS-based sensing, and will collaborate with researchers across multiple disciplines.

Required 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 techniques such as 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with thin-film deposition and characterization.

Experience with MEMS design, fabrication, or testing.

Experience with microfabrication techniques, including lithography, etching, metallization, or related processes.

Experience with piezoelectric or ferroelectric devices for sensing, actuation, or memory applications.

Familiarity with bulk single-crystal materials and/or single-crystal MEMS.

Experience with device modeling or simulation

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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