Postdoctoral Scholar, Nuclear Engineering

The Department of Nuclear Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral scholar position focused on developing capillary porous systems (CPS) for liquid metals as plasma-facing components in future tokamaks.

About the role

The successful candidate will work under the mentorship of Prof. Xing Wang and will lead research efforts that include:

• Designing and fabricating CPS using advanced manufacturing methods such as field-assisted sintering, laser processing, etc.
• Investigating CPS–liquid metal interactions through in-situ and ex-situ characterization techniques.
• Evaluating CPS performance under plasma exposure and reactor-relevant conditions.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral scholar will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including Prof. Martin Nieto at Penn State, to advance the technical readiness level of liquid metals for next-generation fusion reactors.

Requirements

A Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.

• Prior experience in plasma–material interactions, plasma facing materials, vacuum systems, and surface characterization.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.

Skills

Prior experience in plasma–material interactions, plasma facing materials, vacuum systems, and surface characterization.

Benefits

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.

Pay

Details on pay are not specified in the posting.

Schedule

Details on schedule are not specified in the posting.

Application Instructions

Contact Prof. Xing Wang at xvw5285@psu.edu with your CV attached. Please include “Postdoc Application” in the subject line.

Your application materials should include a brief statement of purpose and a full CV.

Submit application materials online through the Penn State Careers website using the "Apply" link above.

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.

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