Postdoctoral Scholar, Materials Science and Engineering

Penn State University; Benner Township (PA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University, in the Materials Science and Engineering Department, seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct research under Professor Douglas Wolfe. The role focuses on designing experiments for advanced materials and coatings for aerospace, defense, nuclear, and microelectronic applications.

You will develop SOPs, collaborate on a multidisciplinary team, and disseminate findings in journals and conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field as of hire date.
• Excellent foundation in materials processing.
• Hands-on experience with device and system characterization.
• Experience in radiation effects (single event, TID, displacement damage) is helpful.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and conduct manufacturing experiments for diverse materials and advanced coatings.
• Develop SOPs to enable consistent processing and characterization in extreme environments.
• Collaborate on a multidisciplinary team.
• Synthesize and manufacture coatings and bulk materials using various methods.
• Assist in testing and materials characterization in lab facilities.
• Model and analyze radiation effects in electronics and shielding; analyze data.
• Disseminate findings in journals and conferences; present monthly.

Skills

Materials processing

Device characterization

Radiation effects

Written/oral communication

Education

PhD in Materials/Mechanical/Electrical/Nuclear Engineering or related

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 termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Materials Science and Engineering Department, within the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to perform research under the direction of Professor Douglas Wolfe (Materials Science & Engineering).

Job Duties

• Design, develop, and conduct manufacturing experiments for a wide range of materials comprised of CsPbB3, nanocomosite structures, polymer matrix ceramic composites, ceramic matrix composites, and advanced coating systems for a variety of applications in the aerospace, defense, nuclear, and microelectronic industries.
• Develop standard operating procedures to conduct consistent processing and characterization of materials for extreme environments.
• Work collaboratively on a multidisciplinary team.
• Synthesize and manufacture unique design architectures comprised of coatings and bulk materials using a variety of manufacturing methods. Materials synthesis may include perovskite systems, composites, oxides, and mixed components for a variety of applications.
• Assist in performing a variety of testing and analytical materials characterization using the materials characterization laboratory facilities.
• Assist in perform modeling and/or experimental analysis (microscopy, spectroscopy) to investigate the fundamentals of radiation effects in electronics and shielding.
• Analyze data.
• Disseminate findings in journals and conferences and monthly presentations.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent as of the hire date in Materials/Mechanical/Electrical/Nuclear Engineering or related discipline.
• Excellent foundation in materials processing.
• Hands-on experience with device and system characterization.
• Experience in radiation effects (single event, total ionizing dose, displacement damage) is very helpful.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter describing their interest in the position, a CV including a publication list, and 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.)

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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