Postdoctoral Scholar - Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in Battery Mechanics, Physics-Based AI, and Energy Storage Manufacturing under the direction of Dr. Jun Xu. The postdoctoral researcher will work on fundamental and applied research at the intersection of battery mechanics, electrochemical-mechanical-thermal modeling, physics-based artificial intelligence, advanced battery manufacturing, battery prognostics, and battery recycling.

Job Duties

• Conduct independent and collaborative research under the supervision of Dr. Jun Xu
• Develop high-quality models, algorithms, experiments, or integrated modeling-characterization frameworks
• Publish first-author papers in leading peer-reviewed journals
• Contribute to research proposals, project reports, and presentations
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the research group
• Collaborate with academic, national laboratory, and industrial partners
• Maintain high standards of research rigor, reproducibility, and professional integrity

Qualifications and Requirements

• A Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Solid Mechanics, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Energy Science, or a closely related field by the start date
• Strong research background in at least one of the following areas: battery modeling, solid mechanics, multiphysics simulation, machine learning, battery manufacturing, electrochemical systems, materials characterization, or computational mechanics
• A strong publication record, preferably including at least three first-author or co-first-author papers in high-quality peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong self-motivation, independence, responsibility, and commitment to academic research

Contact Information

To apply, interested applicants should send the following materials as a single PDF file:

• Curriculum vitae
• Brief research statement describing prior research experience and future research interests
• Representative publications
• Contact information for three references

Expected Start Date

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. This is a term position; 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.