Postdoctoral Scholar, Nuclear Engineering

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

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 Prof.

Xing Wang and will lead research efforts that include CPS design, fabrication, and evaluation. The ideal candidate has a PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or Physics, with experience in plasma–material

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Education

PhD in Nuclear Engineering

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering

PhD in Physics

Plasma–material interactions

Vacuum systems

Surface characterization

Independent and collaborative work

Tools

Field-assisted sintering

Laser processing

Characterization instruments

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 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.

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.

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