Postdoctoral Scholar Position - Autonomous Polymer Processing and Interface Engineering

Penn State University • Erie, PA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Polymer Science, Engineering, and Technology at Penn State Behrend is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to contribute to the establishment of a data-enabled autonomous polymer processing and interface engineering platform. This role, under the guidance of Prof. YuanQiao Rao, will focus on the intersection of experimental polymer science, data-driven process optimization, and industry-engaged research. The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty, students, and industry partners to develop experimental workflows that link polymer materials, processing conditions, interface formation, characterization, and performance/reliability testing. The initial research will likely concentrate on the reliability of polymer/substrate interfaces in overmolded electronics and composites, with potential expansion into coatings, membranes, and advanced polymer manufacturing. This position is ideal for an individual with a proactive approach, enthusiastic about both scientific exploration and the development of laboratory infrastructure and platforms.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in polymer science, materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a closely related field by the appointment start date.
• Strong experimental background in at least one of the following areas: polymer processing; polymer interfaces or adhesion; coatings or thin films; composites or overmolding; mechanical testing and failure analysis; data-enabled manufacturing or automation.
• Ability to work independently in a developing laboratory environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Interest in mentoring undergraduate students.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with injection molding, extrusion, coating, additive manufacturing, or related polymer processing methods.
• Experience with adhesion testing, lap shear, peel testing, burst testing, leak testing, or fracture/failure analysis.
• Experience with surface treatments such as plasma, silane chemistry, oxidation, primers, or surface cleaning protocols.
• Experience with polymer/substrate interfaces, fiber-matrix interface, electronics packaging, or high-performance thermoplastics such as PPS, PEI, PEEK, LCP, or related materials.
• Experience with DOE, statistical analysis, Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Arduino, PLCs, sensors, data acquisition, or machine-learning-assisted experimentation.
• Experience with microscopy, FTIR, XPS, contact angle, DSC, TGA, DMA, rheology, or related characterization methods.
• Demonstrated ability to build or improve experimental setups, workflows, or laboratory capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Help establish a data-enabled polymer processing and characterization platform.
• Design and execute experiments on processing–structure–interface–property relationships.
• Develop DOE-based experimental plans for overmolding, composites, adhesion, and reliability studies.
• Support setup of sensor-rich or semi-automated processing/testing workflows.
• Develop SOPs for processing, testing, data capture, and sample handling.
• Conduct mechanical, interfacial, surface, and failure analysis experiments.
• Analyze data using statistical, DOE, and/or machine-learning-informed approaches as appropriate.
• Mentor undergraduate students working on related projects.
• Contribute to manuscripts, conference abstracts, technical reports, and external proposals.
• Support industry engagement and laboratory demonstrations.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• Postdoctoral benefits information available on a separate page.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree