Postdoctoral Scholar - Law Group - Materials Science and Engineering

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (FL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University Department of Materials Science and Engineering seeks a postdoctoral scholar to advance autonomous thin-film synthesis via molecular beam epitaxy. The role integrates MBE systems into the LATTICE cloud-lab ecosystem with emphasis on in situ feedback and AI/ML-driven workflows for synthesis and characterization.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD in a related field and have hands-on MBE experience.

Qualifications

• PhD in materials science, physics, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with molecular beam epitaxy synthesis required.
• Experience with chalcogenide, 2D, or III-V materials is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement ML-enabled autonomous thin-film synthesis using MBE.
• Integrate experimental data and model outputs into the Lifetime Sample Tracking database.
• Collaborate with vendors, AI researchers, data scientists, and future users of LATTICE cloud lab.

Skills

MBE synthesis

Python programming

AI/ML workflows

Collaborative research

Education

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or Physics

Tools

Lifetime Sample Tracking database

cloud lab interfaces

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 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.

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.