Postdoctoral Scholar, Materials Science and Engineering

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Materials Science and Engineering Department. This role will focus on conducting research related to materials processing and characterization, as well as analysis in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. and relevant experience, including hands-on skills in materials science. This is a term position with a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. or equivalent is required by the hire date.
• Strong background in materials processing is essential.
• Experience with device and system characterization is necessary.
• Knowledge of radiation effects is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop manufacturing experiments for various materials.
• Work collaboratively on a multidisciplinary team.
• Analyze data and disseminate findings through presentations.

Skills

Materials processing

Device and system characterization

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Radiation effects knowledge

Education

Ph.D. in Materials/Mechanical/Electrical/Nuclear Engineering or related discipline

Job description

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).

This is a term position; the 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.

Remote and Hybrid Work Note

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

Job Duties

• Design, develop, and conduct manufacturing experiments for a wide range of materials comprised of CsPbB3, nanocomposite structures, polymer matrix ceramic composites, ceramic matrix composites, and advanced coating systems for 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, including perovskite systems, composites, oxides, and mixed components.
• Assist in performing a variety of testing and analytical material characterization using the materials characterization laboratory facilities.
• Assist in performing 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 make 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 a 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 and oral communication skills.

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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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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