Postdoctoral Scholar – Ferroelectric Materials and MEMS

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

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice 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 our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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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.

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