Engineering Postdoc Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

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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 Leonhard Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Education in the College of Engineering at Penn State is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar. The Leonhard Center is an endowed center that partners with engineering faculty and programs to design, implement, and evaluate research-based innovations in undergraduate and graduate engineering education. The Center also provides workshops, faculty development programming, and college-wide initiatives that support the strategic goals of the College of Engineering. The Leonhard Center prides itself on its collaborative, creative, and positive workplace culture and welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The postdoctoral scholar will lead a portfolio of projects aligned with Center priorities and the scholar's interests, goals, and expertise. The position includes two primary areas of responsibility: engineering education faculty development and educational outreach.
Approximately half of the postdoctoral appointment will focus on leading a new outreach initiative associated with XPRIZE, a global organization that designs and operates prize competitions to address complex global challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship. Through this initiative, Penn State will partner with regional high schools to implement an XPRIZE-developed curriculum that engages students in innovation-driven problem solving. The postdoctoral scholar will work closely with the Director of the Engineering Ambassadors program and Leonhard Center staff to coordinate and support program implementation.
Responsibilities related to the outreach initiative include working with high school administrators and educators to recruit and support participating schools; serving as the primary liaison between participating schools and the XPRIZE Connect team; coordinating onboarding, communication, and program timelines; ensuring effective implementation of the curriculum; and addressing logistical and operational challenges that arise during program delivery. The postdoctoral scholar will also assist in organizing and facilitating local or regional showcase events and competitions, through which student teams may advance to national or international levels of competition.
The remaining portion of the appointment will focus on engineering education research and faculty development initiatives within the Leonhard Center. Projects may include designing and conducting research studies in engineering education, collaborating with faculty on the development and evaluation of educational innovations, and contributing to college-wide workshops or programming related to teaching and learning. The position provides opportunities to develop expertise in both engineering education research and large-scale educational program implementation. The exact responsibilities of this portion of the position will be dependent upon the interests of the scholar and the needs of the Leonhard Center.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication, organizational, and collaborative skills, as well as the ability to work independently across multiple projects. The ability to publish and present research findings at national or international conferences is expected.
Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in an appropriate field such as engineering education, educational psychology, higher education, or a related discipline by the start date of the appointment. Students with technical engineering degrees who have interest and experience in engineering education are also encouraged to apply. Knowledge of current trends in engineering education, STEM outreach, or K-12 engagement is desirable.
Applicants should submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and a list of three references with their online application. Review of applications will begin April 6th and will continue until the position is filled.
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.)
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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.
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