Postdoctoral Scholar Position in Functional Ceramic Materials

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.

About the role

The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in functional ceramic materials within the Randall group. The successful candidate will join an internationally recognized research group conducting cutting-edge research on the processing, characterization, and performance of advanced ceramic materials for energy, electronic, and electromechanical applications in the Materials Research Institute (MRI). The research program focuses on a broad range of functional ceramics, including:

• Piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials
• Capacitor dielectric materials
• Cathode materials for next-generation batteries
• Advanced ceramic processing and microstructural engineering

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent, high-quality research leading to publications in leading international journals.
• Develop and execute innovative research projects aligned with the group's research objectives.
• Work collaboratively with graduate students, undergraduate researchers, visiting scientists, and faculty collaborators.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to students and visiting researchers.
• Assist with the operation and development of advanced experimental capabilities within the laboratory.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals, technical reports, and presentations.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Publish research in high-level journals.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong experimental background in functional ceramic materials.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

Skills

Demonstrated expertise in the processing, structure, property, and performance relationships of ceramic materials. Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Ceramic powder synthesis and processing
• Structural and microstructural characterization
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
• X-ray diffraction (XRD) and related X-ray characterization techniques
• Electrical and electromechanical characterization of functional ceramics
• Impedance spectroscopy
• Electrochemical characterization
• Thermally Stimulated Depolarization Current (TSDC) analysis
• Ferroelectric, dielectric, piezoelectric, or electrochemical measurements
• Other advanced characterization techniques relevant to functional materials

Preferred qualifications and experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered an advantage:

• Functional oxide ceramics
• Ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials
• Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs)
• Solid-state electrochemistry
• Battery materials
• Advanced microscopy and spectroscopy
• Reliability and degradation of electronic materials
• Data analysis and modeling of structure–property relationships

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 the Postdoctoral Benefits page.