Part-Time Research Assistant

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Part-Time Research Assistant will work on the mechanical activation of lithium-bearing underclay through the integration of controlled laboratory experiments and Discrete Element Method (DEM) modeling. The primary objective is to establish quantitative relationships between planetary milling parameters, milling speed (400–600 rpm), milling time (30–120 min), and ball-to-powder ratio (10:1–30:1), and the dominant stress regimes (impact, shear, compression, and friction) responsible for structural disorder and amorphization in clay minerals. A statistically robust Box–Behnken Design (BBD) will be implemented to guide 39 high-energy milling experiments, ensuring efficient exploration of the parameter space while minimizing excessive thermal loading and equipment strain. Mechanical activation will be conducted using a laboratory-scale planetary ball mill (MSE PMV 1–8 L), selected for its ability to generate high-energy impact and shear forces through coupled rotational motion. Resulting changes in particle size, surface area, and crystallinity will be experimentally quantified to evaluate the progression of structural disorder. Complementing the experimental work, a three-dimensional DEM model will be developed in EDEM to simulate particle dynamics, collision behavior, and energy transfer during milling. The model will incorporate realistic mill geometry, ball size distribution (15, 10, and 5 mm zirconia media), and material interaction parameters to replicate experimental conditions. From simulation outputs, stress-mode fractions and power draw will be extracted, enabling calculation of the specific energy input (SEI) and identification of dominant energy transfer mechanisms. The project will further integrate DEM-derived energy metrics with experimentally measured structural and breakage parameters to develop predictive models linking energy input to amorphization and functional performance. The expected outcome is a validated stress-mode map and energy–disorder correlation model that provides a mechanistic basis for optimizing milling conditions, enabling efficient and sustainable valorization of underclay for both lithium extraction and supplementary cementitious material applications.

Requirements

• Experience with mechanical activation of lithium-bearing underclay.
• Proficiency in controlled laboratory experiments.
• Experience with Discrete Element Method (DEM) modeling.
• Knowledge of planetary milling parameters (milling speed, milling time, ball-to-powder ratio).
• Understanding of stress regimes (impact, shear, compression, friction).
• Familiarity with Box–Behnken Design (BBD).
• Experience with laboratory-scale planetary ball mills.
• Ability to quantify particle size, surface area, and crystallinity.
• Experience developing three-dimensional DEM models in EDEM.
• Knowledge of mill geometry, ball size distribution, and material interaction parameters.
• Ability to extract stress-mode fractions and power draw from simulation outputs.
• Skill in calculating specific energy input (SEI).
• Ability to integrate DEM-derived energy metrics with experimental data.
• Experience developing predictive models.
• Ability to develop validated stress-mode maps and energy–disorder correlation models.

Responsibilities

• Conduct controlled laboratory experiments on the mechanical activation of lithium-bearing underclay.
• Integrate laboratory experiments with Discrete Element Method (DEM) modeling.
• Establish quantitative relationships between planetary milling parameters and stress regimes.
• Implement a Box–Behnken Design (BBD) to guide high-energy milling experiments.
• Perform mechanical activation using a laboratory-scale planetary ball mill.
• Quantify changes in particle size, surface area, and crystallinity.
• Develop a three-dimensional DEM model in EDEM to simulate particle dynamics.
• Incorporate realistic mill geometry, ball size distribution, and material interaction parameters into the DEM model.
• Extract stress-mode fractions and power draw from simulation outputs.
• Calculate specific energy input (SEI) and identify dominant energy transfer mechanisms.
• Integrate DEM-derived energy metrics with experimentally measured parameters.
• Develop predictive models linking energy input to amorphization and functional performance.
• Develop a validated stress-mode map and energy–disorder correlation model.

Benefits

• The starting rate for this job is $46.34.
• Successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
• Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
• Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed