Postdoctoral Scholar Position in Functional Ceramic Materials

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to work in the Randall group on functional ceramic materials within the MRI. The role focuses on processing, structure, and performance of advanced ceramics for energy, electronic, and electromechanical applications.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD in a related field and have strong experimental skills in ceramic processing, microstructure characterization (SEM/TEM/XRD), and electrochemical methods, with excellent communication and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong experimental background in functional ceramic materials.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent, high-quality research leading to publications in leading international journals.
• Develop and execute innovative research projects aligned with the group's objectives.
• Work collaboratively with graduate students, undergraduate researchers, visiting scientists, and faculty collaborators.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to students and visiting researchers.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.

Skills

Ceramic materials

Experimental research

Communication skills

Independent researcher

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering or related

Tools

SEM

TEM

AFM

XRD

Impedance spectroscopy

Electrochemical characterization

TSDC analysis

Job description

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 Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in the area of functional ceramic materials in the Randall group. The successful candidate will join an internationally recognized research group conducting cutting-edge research on the processing, characterization, and performance of advanced ceramic materials for energy, electronic, and electromechanical applications within the Materials Research Institute (MRI).

The research program focuses on a broad range of functional ceramics, including:

• Piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials
• Capacitor dielectric materials
• Cathode materials for next-generation batteries
• Advanced ceramic processing and microstructural engineering

The successful candidate should have demonstrated expertise in the processing, structure, property, and performance relationships of ceramic materials. Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Ceramic powder synthesis and processing
• Structural and microstructural characterization
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
• X-ray diffraction (XRD) and related X-ray characterization techniques
• Electrical and electromechanical characterization of functional ceramics
• Impedance spectroscopy
• Electrochemical characterization
• Thermally Stimulated Depolarization Current (TSDC) analysis
• Ferroelectric, dielectric, piezoelectric, or electrochemical measurements
• Other advanced characterization techniques relevant to functional materials

The Postdoctoral Scholar will be expected to:

• Conduct independent, high-quality research leading to publications in leading international journals.
• Develop and execute innovative research projects aligned with the group's research objectives.
• Work collaboratively with graduate students, undergraduate researchers, visiting scientists, and faculty collaborators.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to students and visiting researchers.
• Assist with the operation and development of advanced experimental capabilities within the laboratory.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals, technical reports, and presentations.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Publish research in high-level journals.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong experimental background in functional ceramic materials.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered an advantage:

• Functional oxide ceramics
• Ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials
• Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs)
• Solid-state electrochemistry
• Battery materials
• Advanced microscopy and spectroscopy
• Reliability and degradation of electronic materials
• Data analysis and modeling of structure-property relationships

This position offers the opportunity to work within a highly collaborative and internationally recognized research environment with access to state-of-the-art characterization and processing facilities. The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop independent research directions while contributing to a broad portfolio of sponsored research programs. Applications should include a cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and the names and contact information of three professional 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 our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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