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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 Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in Battery Mechanics, Physics-Based AI, and Energy Storage Manufacturing under the direction of Dr. Jun Xu.
Job Duties:
Research: Develop and lead research integrating AI with battery science and engineering; design computational and/or experimental studies; and collaborate with academic, national laboratory, and industry partners.
Publications: Lead the preparation of high-quality journal manuscripts and present findings at conferences.
Proposal development: Work closely with the PI to identify funding opportunities, develop research concepts, generate preliminary results, and prepare technical proposals.
Laboratory management: Help coordinate daily laboratory activities, equipment use and maintenance, research documentation, data and code management, and safety practices.
Mentoring and coordination: Mentor graduate and undergraduate students, support project planning, and track research milestones and deliverables.
Qualifications and Requirements:
A Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field by the start date.
Strong expertise in AI/machine learning, demonstrated through substantive research contributions.
Experience preparing research proposals, mentoring students, or coordinating laboratory projects.
Experience applying AI to batteries, energy storage, materials, or related physical systems.
Experience with battery experiments, electrochemical or multiphysics modeling, scientific data infrastructure, or automated research workflows.
A strong publication record appropriate to career stage and excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
Interested applicants should send the following materials as a single PDF file:
Curriculum vitae
Brief research statement describing prior research experience and future research interests
Representative publications
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.