Postdoctoral Scholar, Materials Science and Engineering

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Materials Science & Engineering Department to conduct research under Professor Douglas Wolfe on advanced materials for aerospace, defense, and nuclear applications. The role involves synthesis, processing, characterization, and data analysis across multiple material systems and environments.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field and demonstrate strong fundamentals in materials processing and device

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent as of 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.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and conduct manufacturing experiments for a wide range of materials (CsPbB3, nanocomposite structures, polymer matrix ceramic composites, ceramic matrix composites, and advanced coatings).
• Develop SOPs for consistent processing and characterization of materials for extreme environments.
• Work collaboratively on a multidisciplinary team.
• Synthesize and manufacture design architectures comprising coatings and bulk materials using various manufacturing methods.
• Materials synthesis may include perovskite systems, composites, oxides, and mixed components for various applications.
• Assist in testing and analytical materials characterization in lab facilities.
• Assist in modeling/experimental analysis (microscopy, spectroscopy) to study radiation effects in electronics and shielding.
• Analyze data and disseminate findings in journals and conferences.

Skills

Materials processing

Device characterization

Radiation effects knowledge

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Materials/Mechanical/Electrical/Nuclear Eng or related field

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

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.

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.

We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.