APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position to conduct research on projects in collaboration with Dr. Randy Vander Wal.
Broadly, the research involves carbon materials, surface chemistry, microscopic and spectroscopic characterization and applications. Carbon forms range from graphene to carbon blacks, also including graphitizing and non-graphitizing carbons precursors. Characterization techniques include TEM, XRD, NMR, TGA, Raman and XPS for structure and bonding information. Applications include barrier coatings, carbon-carbon composites and energy storage media. ranging from combustion produced soot to graphene, and addressing topics such as oxidative reactivity and functionalization, respectively. These themes connect fields spanning materials, human health, and energy. Extensive analytical characterization using the instruments at the Penn State Materials Characterization Laboratory (MCL) and laboratory-based preparation is common to these material studies, in particular laser processing. Current projects include characterization and processing of graphene mixtures in composites, graphite formation, and reacting flows, including flame synthesis. Related studies include thermal versus microwave pyrolysis processing of hydrocarbons. Work on multiple projects is to be anticipated.
Applicants must hold a PhD in fuel science, materials science, chemical engineering, or related field by start date. Strong background and training in chemistry and materials characterization techniques is required. Experience with pulsed lasers, optics, spectroscopy and associated spectral acquisition systems is desirable, though not essential. Candidates should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, be able to work independently and have requisite computer skills. Adaptability to specialized data analysis software, e.g. Origin and analytical instrumental software packages is also desirable.
Interested candidates should submit the following: an application letter highlighting qualifications for the position; a curriculum vitae including educational background, employment history, and a list of peer reviewed publications; research statement of your interests in the context of desired qualifications; contact information for three references.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.