Postdoctoral Scholar - Ferroelectric Materials and MEMS

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This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.

The Materials Research Institute (MRI) at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct interdisciplinary research on functional dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric materials for emerging memory and sensing applications.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will work collaboratively with Prof. Betul Akkopru-Akgunand Prof. Susan Trolier-McKinstry, contributing approximately equally to research activities in both groups. Under the direction of Prof. Betul Akkopru-Akgun, the Postdoctoral Scholar will investigatefluorite-type and wurtzite ferroelectrics for next-generation memory applications, focusing on the relationships betweendefect chemistry, intermediate switching states, polarization switching, fatigue, and retention. In collaboration with Prof. Trolier-McKinstry, the scholar will work on on fabrication of thin film and bulk single crystal microelectromechanical systems for multimodal sensing systems.

This will include design, fabrication, and testing of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work at the intersection of functional materials, ferroelectrics, electrical characterization, microfabrication, and MEMS-based sensing, and will collaborate with researchers across multiple disciplines.

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.

Demonstrated experience with electrical characterization of dielectric, piezoelectric, or ferroelectric materials.

Experience with techniques such as polarization-electric field (P-E) measurements, dielectric spectroscopy, leakage-current measurements, impedance spectroscopy, or related electrical characterization methods.

Strong experimental skills and experience with data analysis and interpretation.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Experience with thin-film deposition and characterization.

Experience with MEMS design, fabrication, or testing.

Experience with microfabrication techniques, including lithography, etching, metallization, or related processes.

Experience with piezoelectric or ferroelectric devices for sensing, actuation, or memory applications.

Familiarity with bulk single-crystal materials and/or single-crystal MEMS.

Experience with device modeling or simulation

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 more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (

Note:

For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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