Postdoctoral Scholar, Nuclear Engineering

Penn State University; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University is inviting applications for a full-time postdoctoral scholar in Nuclear Engineering to advance capillary porous systems for liquid metals as plasma-facing components in future tokamaks.

The selected candidate will design and fabricate CPS, study their interactions with liquid metals, and assess performance under challenging plasma-relevant conditions, under the mentorship of Prof. Xing Wang and collaboration with Prof. Martin Nieto.

Qualifications

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Experience in plasma–material interactions, plasma-facing materials, vacuum systems, and surface characterization.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Design and fabricate capillary porous systems (CPS) using advanced manufacturing methods.
• Investigate CPS–liquid metal interactions via in-situ and ex-situ techniques.
• Evaluate CPS performance under plasma exposure and reactor-relevant conditions.

Skills

Plasma–material interactions

Vacuum systems

Surface characterization

Strong communication

Education

PhD in Nuclear Engineering

Job description

## Postdoctoral Scholar, Nuclear EngineeringApplylocations: Penn State University Parktime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: REQ\_0000072409# **APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:*** ## CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.* ## CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.* ## If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants. **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 Nuclear Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a full-time **postdoctoral scholar** position focused on developing capillary porous systems (CPS) for liquid metals as plasma-facing components in future tokamaks.The successful candidate will work under the mentorship of **Prof. Xing Wang** and will lead research efforts that include:* Designing and fabricating CPS using advanced manufacturing methods such as field-assisted sintering, laser processing, etc.* Investigating CPS–liquid metal interactions through in-situ and ex-situ characterization techniques.* Evaluating CPS performance under plasma exposure and reactor-relevant conditions.The postdoctoral scholar will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including **Prof. Martin Nieto** at Penn State, to advance the technical readiness level of liquid metals for next-generation fusion reactors.Learn more about the research groups here:Prof. Xing Wang’s research group: https://sites.psu.edu/rdmap/The position is open immediately and will remain available until filled.**Qualifications***Required:** A Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.* Prior experience in plasma–material interactions, plasma facing materials, vacuum systems, and surface characterization.* Strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.**Application Instructions**Interested applicants should:* Contact Prof. Xing Wang at [e-mail] with their CV attached. Please include “Postdoc Application” in the subject line.* Application materials should include a brief statement of purpose and a full CV.* Submit application materials online through the Penn State Careers website using the "Apply" link above. **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.