Postdoctoral Fellow - Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering

About the role

The Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering (MMAE) in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University (WVU) invites applications for the position of Post-Doctoral Fellow in the general area of Materials Science and Engineering, with the research area focused on the research and development of advanced methods for processing solid-oxide fuel and electrolysis cells (SOFC/SOECs).

Responsibilities

• Researching SOFC/SOEC forming and sintering processes
• Electrochemical testing of SOFC/SOECs
• Attending research conferences and reading scientific literature to keep abreast of technological advances and current research findings
• Identifying and assisting with the acquisition of funding from public, private, and governmental sources
• Searching scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for research goals
• Performing laboratory and field experiment activities according to protocol
• Oversight of research facilities and personnel
• Writing and presenting research/study status reports for review and use of the Principal Investigator
• Preparing results of experimental findings for presentation to colleagues and the sponsor at professional/technical conferences
• For publication in scientific journals, as directed

Requirements

• Held an earned doctoral degree (at the time of appointment) in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, physics, or related disciplines
• Expertise in the synthesis and characterization of ceramic materials
• Expertise in one of the following areas: synthesis and characterization of oxide powder and nanomaterials; forming/consolidation and thermal processing of ceramic monolithic structures; electrical or electrochemical testing of ionic and/or mixed conductive materials

Qualifications

• Strong background in materials science and engineering
• Experience in solid oxide fuel cell and electrolysis cell research
• Ability to conduct independent research and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage and supervise research projects

Skills

• Proficiency in material synthesis and characterization techniques
• Knowledge of solid oxide fuel cell and electrolysis cell technologies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication and collaboration abilities

Benefits

Morgantown, including its vicinity, has a diverse population of about 62,000 residents and is ranked highly among the most livable small cities in the country. The community lies within a high-technology corridor that also includes several federal research facilities, as well as industries active in shale gas operations. The city is readily accessible and within driving distance from Pittsburgh, PA, and Washington, DC.

Pay

The initial appointment is one year with the possibility of an extension.

Schedule

The initial appointment is one year with the possibility of an extension.