Postdoctoral Scholar in Mechanical Engineering

Penn State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Mechanical Engineering at University Park. The successful candidate will perform ReaxFF reactive MD simulations for nitride growth, connect results to data science workflows, and conduct ab initio quantum chemistry studies under the supervision of Dr.

Adri van Duin. The role emphasizes AI methods and machine-learning potentials, with opportunities to contribute to autonomous growth strategies and interdisciplinary research

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science or related discipline by the start date
• Expertise with ReaxFF force field development
• Expertise with AI methods and machine learning potentials
• Excellent communication skills
• Expertise with quantum chemical methods

Responsibilities

• Perform and analyze ReaxFF reactive MD simulations on nitride material growth
• Connect simulation results to data science methods
• Perform quantum chemical simulations including ab initio MD on growth-related mechanisms
• Assist in integrating ReaxFF simulations into an AI-driven autonomous growth scheme

Skills

ReaxFF

AI methods

Machine Learning Potentials

Quantum chemical methods

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science or related discipline

Tools

ReaxFF

AI frameworks

ab initio MD

Quantum chemistry

Job description

## Postdoctoral Scholar in Mechanical EngineeringApplylocations: Penn State University Parktime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: REQ\_0000080954# **APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:*** ## CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.* ## CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.* ## If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants. **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 Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a talented, ambitious, and hard-working **Postdoctoral Scholar** under the direction of Dr. Adri van Duin.**Job Duties:*** Perform and analyze ReaxFF reactive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on nitride material growth* Connect the results from these simulations to data science methods* Perform Quantum Chemical simulations, including ab inito MD on material growth related reaction mechanisms* Assist in integrating ReaxFF simulations into a AI-driven scheme for controlling autonomous growth**Requirements & Qualifications:*** PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science or related discipline by the start date* Expertise with ReaxFF force field development* Expertise with AI methods* Excellent communication skills* Expertise with Machine Learning Potentials* Expertise with quantum chemical methods **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.