Postdoctoral Scholar - Materials Science and Engineering​/Maria Group

POSITION SPECIFICS

This posting is for a position within the research group of Dr. Jon-Paul Maria in the Penn State Materials Science and Engineering Department. The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is looking for a postdoctoral scholar. The final candidate will have demonstrated capabilities, determined through an interview process and a review of past research experience, that position them to complete the above‑mentioned duties and responsibilities.

The candidate will also have excellent communication skills (written and spoken) and excellent abilities to work in and organize a collaborative and interdisciplinary team.

The final candidate must have a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or other comparable majors. They should have experience in thin film growth, thin film characterization, and electrical property measurements.

This research project will design, fabricate, and characterize ferroelectric and piezoelectric modified wurtzite nitride thin films and device stacks with exquisite structural and chemical fidelity. The team will pursue stand‑alone thin films as well as layered stacks, as well as nanofabricated resonator structures. We seek a postdoctoral researcher who will pursue these project goals by conducting the following activities:

• Synthesize thin film nitride piezoelectric and ferroelectric films using sputter deposition instrumentation.
• Perform physical characterization on thin films and stacked layers to quantify physical structure, crystal structure, chemical composition, morphology, thickness, and stress states.
• Lead nanofabrication efforts to generate nanofabricated MEMS resonators.
• Perform temperature, voltage, and frequency dependent properties of nitride films and device components.
• Document, interpret, and organize all data from depositions, characterizations, and property measurements.
• Organize all data and learning into scientific manuscripts, quarterly reports, and presentations.
• Coordinate the collective effort of a four research group team at Penn State.

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

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.

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 .