Postdoctoral Scholar, Materials Science and Engineering

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Materials Science and Engineering Department, within the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to perform research under the direction of Professor Douglas Wolfe (Materials Science & Engineering).

This is a term position; the length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed 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.

• Design, develop, and conduct manufacturing experiments for a wide range of materials comprised of Cs Pb B3 , nanocomposite structures, polymer matrix ceramic composites, ceramic matrix composites, and advanced coating systems for aerospace, defense, nuclear, and microelectronic industries.
• Develop standard operating procedures to conduct consistent processing and characterization of materials for extreme environments.
• Work collaboratively on a multidisciplinary team.
• Synthesize and manufacture unique design architectures comprised of coatings and bulk materials using a variety of manufacturing methods, including perovskite systems, composites, oxides, and mixed components.
• Assist in performing a variety of testing and analytical material characterization using the materials characterization laboratory facilities.
• Assist in performing modeling and/or experimental analysis (microscopy, spectroscopy) to investigate the fundamentals of radiation effects in electronics and shielding.
• Analyze data.
• Disseminate findings in journals and conferences and make monthly presentations.

• Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent as of the hire date in Materials/Mechanical/Electrical/Nuclear Engineering or a related discipline.
• Excellent foundation in materials processing.
• Hands‑on experience with device and system characterization.
• Experience in radiation effects (single event, total ionizing dose, displacement damage) is very helpful.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

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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The ASR is available for review here.

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.

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