Want to know if this job is worth applying to?
College Township, Pennsylvania, United States
Onsite
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 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.
The postdoctoral researcher will work on fundamental and applied research at the intersection of battery mechanics, electrochemical-mechanical-thermal modeling, physics-based artificial intelligence, advanced battery manufacturing, battery prognostics, and battery recycling. The successful candidate is expected to develop rigorous modeling, computational, and/or experimental approaches to understand the coupled behaviors of next-generation energy storage systems and to translate fundamental insights into high-impact publications, proposals, and collaborative research outcomes.
Research Areas:
The position will focus on one or more of the following areas:
Physics-based AI for battery manufacturing and mobility
Fundamental electrochemo-mechanical modeling of next-generation batteries
Degradation, failure, and safety and sustainability of lithium-ion, lithium-metal, sodium-ion, and solid-state batteries
Job Duties:
Conduct independent and collaborative research under the supervision of Dr. Jun Xu
Develop high-quality models, algorithms, experiments, or integrated modeling-characterization frameworks
Publish first-author papers in leading peer-reviewed journals
Contribute to research proposals, project reports, and presentations
Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the research group
Collaborate with academic, national laboratory, and industrial partners
Maintain high standards of research rigor, reproducibility, and professional integrity
Qualifications and Requirements:
A Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Solid Mechanics, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Energy Science, or a closely related field by the start date
Strong research background in at least one of the following areas: battery modeling, solid mechanics, multiphysics simulation, machine learning, battery manufacturing, electrochemical systems, materials characterization, or computational mechanics
A strong publication record, preferably including at least three first-author or co-first-author papers in high-quality peer-reviewed journals
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong self-motivation, independence, responsibility, and commitment to academic research
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
Expected start date
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.
