Postdoctoral Scholar - Mechanical Engineering

Penn State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to lead research at the intersection of AI, battery mechanics, and energy storage manufacturing. The role involves designing computational and experimental studies, collaborating with academia, national labs, and industry, and mentoring students.

Responsibilities include publishing high-quality manuscripts, developing technical proposals with the PI, managing lab activities and data, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or closely related field by start date.
• Strong expertise in AI/machine learning with substantive research contributions.
• Experience preparing research proposals, mentoring students, or coordinating laboratory projects.
• Experience applying AI to batteries, energy storage, materials, or related physical systems.
• Experience with battery experiments, electrochemical or multiphysics modeling, scientific data infrastructure, or automated research workflows.
• A strong publication record appropriate to career stage and excellent scientific writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Research: Develop and lead research integrating AI with battery science and engineering; design computational and/or experimental studies, and collaborate with partners.
• Publications: Lead the preparation of journal manuscripts and present findings at conferences.
• Proposal development: Work with the PI to identify funding opportunities and generate preliminary results.
• Laboratory management: Coordinate daily lab activities, equipment use, and safety practices.
• Mentoring: Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and track milestones and deliverables.

Skills

AI/ML expertise

Proposal development

Mentoring

AI for batteries / energy storage

Battery experiments / modeling

Education

PhD in ME / Materials Science / Chemical Eng / Electrical Eng

Job description

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a **Postdoctoral Scholar** in Battery Mechanics, Physics-Based AI, and Energy Storage Manufacturingunder the direction of Dr. Jun Xu.**Job Duties:*** Research: Develop and lead research integrating AI with battery science and engineering; design computational and/or experimental studies; and collaborate with academic, national laboratory, and industry partners.* Publications: Lead the preparation of high-quality journal manuscripts and present findings at conferences.* Proposal development: Work closely with the PI to identify funding opportunities, develop research concepts, generate preliminary results, and prepare technical proposals.* Laboratory management: Help coordinate daily laboratory activities, equipment use and maintenance, research documentation, data and code management, and safety practices.* Mentoring and coordination: Mentor graduate and undergraduate students, support project planning, and track research milestones and deliverables.**Qualifications and Requirements:*** A Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field by the start date.* Strong expertise in AI/machine learning, demonstrated through substantive research contributions.* Experience preparing research proposals, mentoring students, or coordinating laboratory projects.* Experience applying AI to batteries, energy storage, materials, or related physical systems.* Experience with battery experiments, electrochemical or multiphysics modeling, scientific data infrastructure, or automated research workflows.* A strong publication record appropriate to career stage and excellent scientific writing and communication skills.Interested applicants should send the following materials as a **single PDF file**:* Curriculum vitae* Brief research statement describing prior research experience and future research interests* Representative publications* Contact information for three references