Postdoctoral Scholar (Physics)

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Physics at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a postdoctoral research associate with exceptional research potential. The role supports two federally funded projects at the University Park campus: the 2D Crystal Consortium (2DCC), a National Science Foundation Materials Innovation Platform user facility, and LATTICE (Layered and Thin Film Technologies with Intelligent Cloud Experimentation), a National Science Foundation Programmable Cloud Laboratory.

Research will focus on synthesizing two-dimensional quantum materials by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and characterizing them in vacuo using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and a 4-probe LT-Nano scanning probe. For 2DCC, the scholar will operate and maintain the MBE/ARPES/LT-Nano cluster tool in support of user projects. For LATTICE, the work will integrate 2DCC MBE/ARPES capabilities into the cloud-laboratory ecosystem, emphasizing in situ feedback and control, autonomous deposition-tool operation, and AI/ML workflows for synthesis and characterization. The scholar will also help integrate experimental data and model outputs into the Lifetime Sample Tracking database and contribute to cloud-lab interfaces for external LATTICE users.

The position involves close collaboration with equipment vendors, AI researchers developing agentic workflow frameworks, data scientists, and future users of the LATTICE cloud laboratory. This is a term position; its length will be discussed during the interview. Continuation beyond the discussed term depends on university need, performance, and/or funding availability. Applicants must submit a Penn State application, curriculum vitae, publication list, research statement, and at least three reference letters sent to [email protected]. A background check is required.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Chemistry by the date of appointment.
• Experience in ARPES and related characterization techniques and/or MBE growth of thin films.
• Strong track record of related research, evidenced by a publications list.
• Experience maintaining and operating ultra-high-vacuum thin-film deposition equipment and cryogenic ultrahigh-vacuum surface-characterization tools.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize two-dimensional quantum materials using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE).
• Characterize materials in vacuo using ARPES and a 4-probe LT-Nano scanning probe.
• Operate and maintain the 2DCC MBE/ARPES/LT-Nano cluster tool in support of 2DCC user projects.
• Integrate 2DCC MBE/ARPES capabilities into the LATTICE ecosystem.
• Develop or support in situ feedback and control, autonomous deposition-tool operation, and AI/ML workflows for synthesis and characterization.
• Integrate experimental data and model outputs into the Lifetime Sample Tracking database.
• Contribute to cloud-lab interfaces for external users of the LATTICE platform.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors, AI researchers, data scientists, and future users of the LATTICE cloud laboratory.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support personal and professional well-being

What This Job Offers

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