Postdoctoral Scholar - Poudel Group - Materials Science and Engineering

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering seeks a highly motivated researcher to conduct experimental work in electrochemical energy storage, with emphasis on developing zinc-based electrode materials and architectures for improved battery performance.

The candidate will design and perform electrochemical tests, fabricate electrodes, analyze data, and collaborate across disciplines while contributing to a broader zinc-ion battery program on campus.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant field; strong hands-on electrochemistry and battery research experience.
• Experience with zinc-based batteries or Zn-metal systems is preferred but not required.
• Ability to plan, execute, and interpret electrochemical experiments and correlate with materials characterization.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct electrochemical experiments to study Zn plating/stripping and dendrite formation.
• Fabricate electrodes and assemble lab-scale cells for testing; perform galvanostatic cycling, CV, LSV, and EIS.
• Analyze data to link electrochemical performance with electrode structure and composition; communicate results effectively.

Skills

Electrochemistry

Battery testing

Data analysis

Experimental design

Education

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field

Tools

SEM/EDS

XRD

Electrochemical testing equipment

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 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.)

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.

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