Assistant Research Professor - Materials Science and Engineering

Penn State University•University Park, IL

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE) at the Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a full-time Assistant Research Professor position in the areas of optoelectronics, photovoltaics, and advanced functional thin-film devices. The successful candidate will lead research efforts in thin film growth, device fabrication, and electrical/optoelectronic transport measurements, with a focus on the development of optoelectronic devices such as memory storage devices, sensors, and solar cells. This position emphasizes energy harvesting, device engineering, and the integration of next-generation materials into functional electronic and optoelectronic systems. The research program will involve fabrication and optimization of thin-film devices, nanofabrication and device integration, and detailed characterization of electrical, optical, and transport properties.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
Strong postdoctoral research experience in optoelectronics, photovoltaics, or device engineering
Proven track record of high-quality publications
Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment
Strong expertise and demonstrated research experience in optoelectronics, photovoltaics (particularly solar energy harvesting), memory storage devices, and perovskite device engineering
Solid background in thin-film deposition techniques such as CVD, ALD, sputtering, or evaporation
Experience in nanofabrication methods including photolithography
Expertise in materials and device characterization, including electrical, optical, and structural analysis
Strong understanding of charge transport and interface engineering in functional materials

Nice To Haves

Experience working with multifunctional materials
Experience working with bio-hybrid systems
Experience working with emerging device platforms

Responsibilities

Conducting cutting-edge research in optoelectronic and energy materials
Leading material synthesis, device design, fabrication, and characterization efforts
Collaborating with faculty across PSU and related disciplines
Supervising and mentoring postdocs, graduate and undergraduate researchers
Contributing to proposal writing and research program development
Publishing research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals