Associate Research Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering

About the role

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Penn State is seeking a highly motivated Associate Research Professor for a term position. The length of the term will be discussed during the interview process; continuation beyond the initial term 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct externally funded research projects involving high-temperature, high-pressure, transient two-phase flow and heat transfer with liquid-vapor phase change taking place in different two-phase flow regimes leading to the occurrence of dryout at the CHF point
• Investigate pre-dryout and post-dryout heat transfer
• Explore the impact of droplet dynamics on the resulting heat transfer
• Design new test facility needed to quantify specific features
• Train graduate students in relevant research areas and teach classes in thermal sciences

Requirements

• Must hold an active security clearance
• PhD in Mechanical, Nuclear, or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent) by the appointment start date
• Experience performing high-temperature rod bundle experiments under a variety of reflood conditions
• Clear understanding of fundamental two-phase heat transfer under DFFB and IAFB conditions
• Familiar with measurement of liquid droplets under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions
• Ten or more years of experience in experimental studies

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Generous 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children