Postdoctoral Scholar – Ferroelectric Materials and MEMS

Job description

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 Materials Research Institute (MRI) at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct interdisciplinary research on functional dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric materials for emerging memory and sensing applications. The Postdoctoral Scholar will work collaboratively with Prof. Betul Akkopru-Akgun and Prof. Susan Trolier-McKinstry, contributing approximately equally to research activities in both groups. Under the direction of Prof. Betul Akkopru-Akgun, the Postdoctoral Scholar will investigate fluorite-type and wurtzite ferroelectrics for next-generation memory applications, focusing on the relationships between defect chemistry, intermediate switching states, polarization switching, fatigue, and retention. In collaboration with Prof. Trolier-McKinstry, the scholar will work on on fabrication of thin film and bulk single crystal microelectromechanical systems for multimodal sensing systems. This will include design, fabrication, and testing of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work at the intersection of functional materials, ferroelectrics, electrical characterization, microfabrication, and MEMS-based sensing, and will collaborate with researchers across multiple disciplines. Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field. Demonstrated experience with electrical characterization of dielectric, piezoelectric, or ferroelectric materials. Experience with techniques such as polarization–electric field (P–E) measurements, dielectric spectroscopy, leakage-current measurements, impedance spectroscopy, or related electrical characterization methods. Strong experimental skills and experience with data analysis and interpretation. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment. Preferred Qualifications Experience with thin-film deposition and characterization. Experience with MEMS design, fabrication, or testing. Experience with microfabrication techniques, including lithography, etching, metallization, or related processes. Experience with piezoelectric or ferroelectric devices for sensing, actuation, or memory applications. Familiarity with bulk single-crystal materials and/or single-crystal MEMS. Experience with device modeling or simulation To apply, applicants should upload a cover letter detailing their qualifications for and interest in the position, a copy of their CV, and names and contact details (e-mail addresses and telephone numbers) 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. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission. 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