Postdoctoral Scholar - Mechanical Engineering

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

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.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in Battery Mechanics, Physics-Based AI, and Energy Storage Manufacturing under the direction of Dr. Jun Xu.

The postdoctoral researcher will work on fundamental and applied research at the intersection of battery mechanics, electrochemical‑mechanical‑thermal modeling, physics‑based artificial intelligence, advanced battery manufacturing, battery prognostics, and battery recycling. The successful candidate is expected to develop rigorous modeling, computational, and/or experimental approaches to understand the coupled behaviors of next‑generation energy storage systems and to translate fundamental insights into high‑impact publications, proposals, and collaborative research outcomes.

• Physics‑based AI for battery manufacturing and mobility
• Fundamental electro‑chemo‑mechanical modeling of next‑generation batteries
• Degradation, failure, and safety and sustainability of lithium‑ion, lithium‑metal, sodium‑ion, and solid‑state batteries

• Conduct independent and collaborative research under the supervision of Dr. Jun Xu
• Develop high‑quality models, algorithms, experiments, or integrated modeling‑characterization frameworks
• Publish first‑author papers in leading peer‑reviewed journals
• Contribute to research proposals, project reports, and presentations
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the research group
• Collaborate with academic, national laboratory, and industrial partners
• Maintain high standards of research rigor, reproducibility, and professional integrity

• A Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Solid Mechanics, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Energy Science, or a closely related field by the start date
• Strong research background in at least one of the following areas: battery modeling, solid mechanics, multiphysics simulation, machine learning, battery manufacturing, electrochemical systems, materials characterization, or computational mechanics
• A strong publication record, preferably including at least three first‑author or co‑first‑author papers in high‑quality peer‑reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong self‑motivation, independence, responsibility, and commitment to academic research

Interested applicants should send the following materials as a single PDF file:

• Curriculum vitae
• Brief research statement describing prior research experience and future research interests
• Representative publications
• Contact information for three references
• Expected start date

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. For Postdoctoral benefits, please see the Postdoctoral Benefits page.

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.