Postdoctoral Scholar in Mechanical Engineering

Penn State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a talented Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Mechanical Engineering to advance research on material growth using ReaxFF reactive MD and quantum chemical methods. The role involves connecting simulation results with data science approaches and contributing to AI-driven autonomous growth controls.

The candidate should hold a PhD in Materials Science or a related field, with strong expertise in ReaxFF, AI, ML potentials, and quantum chemistry, and possess

Qualifications

• PhD required in materials science or related field.
• Expertise with ReaxFF force field development.
• Expertise with AI methods and machine learning potentials.
• Experience with quantum chemical methods and ab initio MD is desired.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating across groups.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

ReaxFF expertise

AI methods

Machine Learning Potentials

Quantum chemical methods

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Job description

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 material growth
• Connect the results from these simulations to data science methods
• Perform Quantum Chemical simulations, including ab initio 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 Materials Science or a related field, 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

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter describing their interest in the position and relevant experience, a CV including a publication list, and the names and contact information of up to three references.

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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