Postdoctoral Scholar - Law Group - Materials Science and Engineering

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 58,000 - 72,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University seeks a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering to work on machine learning for autonomous thin-film materials synthesis by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The role involves integrating MBE systems into the LATTICE cloud platform and developing AI/ML workflows for synthesis and characterization.

Applicants must have a PhD in a related field and hands-on MBE experience.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with molecular beam epitaxy synthesis.

Responsibilities

• Integrate existing III-V and chalcogenide MBE systems into the LATTICE ecosystem.
• Develop AI/ML workflows for synthesis and characterization.
• Enable in situ feedback and autonomous operation of deposition tools.
• Contribute to cloud-lab interfaces and lifetime database integration.

Skills

Python programming

AI/ML workflows

MBE synthesis

Education

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering

PhD in Physics

Tools

Molecular beam epitaxy systems

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 Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is searching for a postdoctoral scholar. The position will involve machine learning for autonomous thin-film materials synthesis by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). This work will be performed as part of LATTICE (Layered and Thin Film Technologies with Intelligent Cloud Experimentation), a National Science Foundation Programmable Cloud Laboratory at the Pennsylvania State University's University Park campus.The postdoctoral scholar will help integrate existing III-V and chalcogenide MBE systems into the LATTICE ecosystem, with emphasis on in situ feedback and control, autonomous operation of deposition tools, and AI/ML workflows for synthesis and characterization. The scholar will also support integration of experimental data and model outputs into the Lifetime Sample Tracking database and contribute to cloud-lab interfaces for external users of the LATTICE platform. This position will involve close collaboration with equipment vendors, AI researchers developing agentic workflow frameworks, data scientists, and future users of the LATTICE cloud laboratory.

Requirements

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, or a related field. Hands-on experience with molecular beam epitaxy synthesis is required.

Preferred

Experience with chalcogenide, two-dimensional, and/or III-V semiconductor materials is preferred. Programming experience in Python or experience with machine automation or AI/ML workflows will be an advantage.

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.)

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.

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