Assistant Research Professor - Poudel Group - Materials Science and Engineering

Penn State University•University Park, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE) at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a full-time Assistant Research Professor to lead research in thermoelectric materials, energy conversion materials, and advanced functional materials. The role involves the design, synthesis, processing, characterization, and optimization of materials for thermal energy conversion, waste heat recovery, solid-state cooling, and sustainable energy technologies. The research will focus on discovering and developing next-generation energy materials with high electrical and thermal transport performance through advanced techniques like materials design, defect engineering, microstructure optimization, and advanced manufacturing. The position will also involve contributing to interdisciplinary research programs and collaborating with faculty and external partners.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
Significant postdoctoral research experience in thermoelectric materials, energy conversion materials, or related functional materials.
Strong publication record.
Evidence of research leadership.
Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment.
Solid background in materials synthesis and processing techniques, including powder processing, spark plasma sintering (SPS), hot pressing, crystal growth, or related processing methods.

Nice To Haves

Experience with transport property measurements, microstructural characterization, diffraction and microscopy techniques, and materials optimization through compositional and defect engineering.
Experience with computational materials design, machine learning for materials discovery, or multifunctional energy materials.

Responsibilities

Conduct cutting-edge research in thermoelectric and energy conversion materials.
Lead materials synthesis, processing, characterization, and prototype device development.
Collaborate with faculty across Penn State and external research partners.
Contribute to multidisciplinary research programs sponsored by federal agencies and industry.
Supervise and mentor postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and visiting scholars.
Contribute to proposal development and research program expansion.
Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
Present research results at national and international conferences.