Postdoctoral Scholar - Mechanical Engineering

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Battery Mechanics, Physics-Based AI, and Energy Storage Manufacturing under Dr. Jun Xu.

You will lead AI-enhanced battery research, publish high-quality journals, and help secure funding while mentoring students. The role emphasizes collaboration with academia, national labs, and industry, with responsibilities spanning experimentation, modeling, and data workflows, all within a

Qualifications

• PhD required by start date in a closely related field to mechanical engineering.
• Strong expertise in AI/ML demonstrated through research contributions.
• Experience preparing research proposals, mentoring students, or coordinating lab projects.
• Experience applying AI to batteries, energy storage, materials, or related physical systems.
• Experience with battery experiments, electrochemical/ multiphysics modeling, or data infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead research integrating AI with battery science and engineering; design computational/experimental studies; collaborate with partners.
• Lead preparation of journal manuscripts and present findings at conferences.
• Identify funding opportunities, develop concepts, generate preliminary results, and prepare proposals.
• Coordinate daily lab activities, equipment use, safety, data and code management.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and track research milestones.

Skills

AI/ML expertise

Research leadership

Proposal development

Mentoring students

Communication

Education

PhD in ME | materials science | chemical engineering | electrical engineering

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 Mechanical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in Battery Mechanics, Physics-Based AI, and Energy Storage Manufacturing under 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.

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.