Postdoctoral Scholar - Poudel Group - Materials Science and Engineering

Penn State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a researcher to advance experimental research in electrochemical energy storage with a focus on aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The role emphasizes zinc-metal anode design, understanding nucleation and electrodeposition, dendrite control, and electrode/electrolyte interactions.

You will plan, execute, and analyze electrochemical experiments and correlate results with material interfaces to improve safety and durability.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience in electrochemistry, rechargeable batteries, electrode materials, or electrochemical interfaces.
• Experience with Zn-based batteries is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct electrochemical experiments; fabricate electrodes and assemble cells.
• Perform galvanostatic cycling, CV, LSV, chronoamperometry, and EIS; correlate data with structure.
• Analyze electrochemical and materials characterization data; identify failure mechanisms.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team; communicate findings clearly.

Skills

Electrochemistry

Battery research

Materials characterization

Collaboration

Manuscript writing

Education

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering

Tools

SEM/EDS

XRD

Spectroscopy

Electrochemical workstation

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University seeks a highly motivated researcher to conduct experimental research in electrochemical energy storage and aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The position will support overall battery research program within with an emphasis on developing advanced electrode materials and architectures for improved battery performance, safety, and durability.

The successful candidate will focus particularly on zinc-metal anode design and optimization, including understanding and controlling Zn nucleation and electrodeposition, dendrite formation, surface morphology, electrolyte-electrode interactions, mass transport, corrosion, and other degradation mechanisms.

Research may include development of modified anode surfaces, coatings, three-dimensional current collectors, electrolyte strategies, and other approaches for achieving uniform and reversible Zn plating/stripping.

The researcher will design and conduct electrochemical experiments; fabricate electrodes and assemble laboratory-scale cells; perform galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, chronoamperometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and related measurements; and correlate electrochemical behavior with electrode structure, composition, interfaces, and morphology.

The work will involve materials and electrode characterization using techniques such as SEM/EDS, XRD, spectroscopy, and thermal/chemical characterization as appropriate.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field. Strong hands‑on experimental experience in electrochemistry, rechargeable batteries, electrode materials, or electrochemical interfaces is required. Experience specifically with aqueous Zn‑ion or Zn‑metal batteries is desirable but not required. Candidates with strong experimental experience in Li‑ion, metal‑anode, or related battery systems who can apply their expertise to Zn‑based batteries are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate should be able to independently plan and execute experiments, analyze electrochemical and materials characterization data, identify battery failure mechanisms, and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team. Strong scientific communication skills and experience preparing manuscripts, reports, and presentations are also expected.

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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The ASR is available for review here.

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