Postdoctoral Scholar in Computational Optoelectronics and Applied Mathematics

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to join the Lakhtakia research team in the College of Engineering to advance computational optoelectronics and the study of integrated energy microgenerators. The role involves developing two- and three-dimensional models, high-order solvers, and optimization of materials and device configurations.

The successful candidate will work with Prof. Akhlesh Lakhtakia, Prof.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. by time of appointment in a relevant field (see Education Requirement).
• Experience with high-order numerical methods and computational modeling for optoelectronics or related areas.
• Strong written and oral communication, ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Implement and improve high-order finite-element and discontinuous-Galerkin software in Python and related environments.
• Investigate effects of grain boundaries, defects, interfaces, and material properties on carrier transport and device performance.
• Perform mathematical analysis and optimization of bandgap profiles and device geometries using gradient-based and derivative-free methods.
• Collaborate with faculty and students; prepare manuscripts, conferences, and research software for dissemination.
• Develop and document two- and three-dimensional numerical models for coupled optical and electronic processes in IEMGs.

Skills

Numerical analysis

Scientific computing

PDEs

Finite-element methods

Discontinuous-Galerkin methods

Computational modeling

Python

Version control

HPC

Education

Ph.D. by appointment in applied mathematics or closely related field

Tools

Python

Git

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 term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Lakhtakia research team in the College of Engineering (Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics) at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Scholar to join a collaborative research program in computational optoelectronics, mathematical modeling, and numerical simulation of integrated energy microgenerators (IEMGs) containing compound semiconductors. The postdoctoral scholar will work under the direction of Prof. Akhlesh Lakhtakia in cooperation with Prof. Anna Mazzucato (Mathematics at Penn State), Prof. Peter B. Monk (Mathematics at University of Delaware), and a postdoctoral scholar at University of Delaware. The position will involve developing and analyzing two- and three-dimensional optical and electronic models; implementing high-order numerical methods for semiconductor drift-diffusion and Maxwell systems; modeling grain boundaries, defects, and interfaces; and optimizing material, geometric, and illumination-dependent designs for efficient IEMGs.

Education Requirement

Qualified individuals will hold a Ph.D. by the time of appointment in applied mathematics, computational mathematics, electrical engineering, engineering science, physics, computational science, or a closely related field.

• Implement and improve high-order finite-element and discontinuous-Galerkin software in Python and related scientific-computing environments, including robust solvers, error assessment, and computational validation.
• Investigate the effects of grain boundaries, defects, interfaces, material properties, and illumination conditions on carrier transport, recombination, and device performance.
• Perform mathematical analysis and computational optimization of bandgap profiles, layer thicknesses, device geometry, and tandem IEMG configurations using gradient-based and derivative-free methods.
• Collaborate with the faculty investigators and graduate students; prepare manuscripts, conference presentations, technical documentation, and research software for dissemination.
• Develop, analyze, verify, and document two- and three-dimensional numerical models for coupled optical and electronic processes in IEMGs, including semiconductor drift-diffusion and Maxwell equations.

It is preferred that the successful candidate will possess

• Demonstrated experience in numerical analysis, scientific computing, partial differential equations, finite-element or discontinuous-Galerkin methods, and computational modeling. Experience with semiconductor models, drift-diffusion systems, Maxwell equations, optoelectronics, photovoltaics, optimization, or machine learning is highly desirable. Proficiency in Python and familiarity with version control and high-performance computing are preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team; demonstrated initiative, organization, problem-solving ability, and commitment to reproducible research.
• Record of publications, historical work, etc.: A record of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, dissertations, software, or other scholarly work demonstrating research capability in a relevant area.

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.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

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.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.

We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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