Postdoctoral Scholar – Nonlinear Dynamics and Vibration Energy Harvesting

About the role

The School of Engineering at Penn State Behrend seeks qualified applicants for a Postdoctoral Scholar position supported by a recently awarded NSF project.

Responsibilities

• Designing bistable and multistable smart structures
• Developing analytical and numerical models of nonlinear vibration systems
• Investigating stochastic resonance and noise-assisted dynamics
• Performing finite element modeling of coupled mechanical and electromechanical systems
• Leading laboratory experiments and prototype validation activities
• Supporting experimental investigations under both controlled and real-world conditions
• Disseminating research results through high-impact peer-reviewed journal publications and conference presentations
• Contributing to proposal development for future funding opportunities
• Mentoring undergraduate students in research activities

Requirements

• Hold a Ph.D. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Civil Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, or a closely related field by the appointment date
• Strong background in nonlinear dynamics and vibration control
• Demonstrated expertise in stochastic dynamics or random vibration
• Strong proficiency in MATLAB for modeling and analysis
• Experience in experimental vibration testing
• Familiarity with FEA tools such as ANSYS and CAD software such as Creo and Fusion 360

Qualifications

• Highly motivated, self-disciplined, and capable of conducting independent research
• Capable of contributing effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Strong research potential or an established publication record
• Track record of communicating research through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and technical reports
• Opportunities to contribute to new research directions, collaborate across disciplines, and engage in proposal development activities

Skills

• Strong proficiency in MATLAB for modeling and analysis
• Experience in experimental vibration testing
• Familiarity with FEA tools such as ANSYS and CAD software such as Creo and Fusion 360

Benefits

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.

Pay

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

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

Application Information

• Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
• Applicants should submit 1) an application letter describing qualifications, 2) a curriculum vitae including education, research interests, employment history, and publications, 3) a research statement describing research interests relevant to the position, and 4) contact information for at least three referees.

Contact

For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Feng Qian at fjq5013@psu.edu.

Facilities and Resources

• Access to a well-equipped experimental laboratory for nonlinear dynamics and vibration research
• Flexible experimental space and student assistance for custom system design and fabrication
• Additional experimental resources available through the School of Engineering
• Computational resources including access to high-performance computing through Penn State’s Roar Collab system, along with licensed software such as MATLAB, ANSYS, Wolfram Mathematica, and CAD tools including Autodesk AutoCAD, Inventor, and Creo

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Benefits

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Background Check Hotline

If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.