Postdoctoral Scholar - Mechanical Engineering

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 58,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in Battery Mechanics, Physics‑Based AI, and Energy Storage Manufacturing under the direction of Dr. Jun Xu.

You will lead AI-enabled battery research, design computational/experimental studies, publish journal articles, mentor students, coordinate lab activities, and assist with proposals while upholding safety and research integrity.

Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or closely related field by start date.
• Strong expertise in AI/machine learning demonstrated through 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 workflows.
• Strong publication record with excellent scientific writing.

Responsibilities

• Research: Develop and lead AI-integrated battery research; design computational/experimental studies; collaborate with partners.
• Publications: Lead preparation of journal manuscripts and present findings at conferences.
• Proposal development: Identify funding opportunities and prepare technical proposals.
• Laboratory management: Coordinate daily lab activities, equipment use, documentation, data and code management, and safety.
• Mentoring: Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and track milestones.

Skills

AI/ML expertise

Publications

Proposal development

Education

PhD in ME / related field

Tools

Python/ML frameworks

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 Department of Mechanical Engineeringat 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.

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

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 ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see ourPostdoctoral Benefits page.)

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