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Engineering Postdoc Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University has a Postdoctoral Scholar opening starting in July 2026 (starting date negotiable, but ...

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is seeking a postdoctoral scholar. The final candidate will be expected to ...

Showing results 41-60

Engineering Postdoc information

What is an engineering postdoc?

An Engineering Postdoc is a temporary research position for PhD graduates to gain advanced training and experience in engineering fields. Postdocs work on specialized projects, publish research, collaborate with faculty, and may mentor students. These positions typically last 1-3 years and help researchers prepare for academic, industry, or government roles.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an engineering postdoc?

Engineering Postdocs usually spend their days designing and conducting advanced research experiments, analyzing data, and documenting their findings for publication or presentations. They often collaborate closely with faculty members, graduate students, and other researchers to develop new methods or contribute to ongoing projects. Additional tasks may include mentoring junior team members, preparing grant applications, and presenting results at conferences. This blend of research, collaboration, and academic engagement provides valuable experience for future academic or industry roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the engineering postdoc position?

To thrive as an Engineering Postdoc, you typically need a PhD in engineering or a related field, a solid research background, and deep expertise in your specific engineering discipline. Familiarity with advanced modeling software, programming languages (such as MATLAB or Python), and laboratory or simulation equipment is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, independent problem-solving, and effective written and verbal communication skills are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies are important for successfully conducting innovative research, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and contributing to publications and grant proposals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering Postdoc jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Engineering Postdoc jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What are popular job titles related to Engineering Postdoc jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Engineering Postdoc jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Engineering Postdoc job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Postdoctoral Scholar, Materials Science and Engineering

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


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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 Science and Engineering Department, within the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to perform research under the direction of Professor Douglas Wolfe (Materials Science & Engineering).
Job Duties:
  • Design, develop, and conduct manufacturing experiments for a wide range of materials comprised of CsPbB3, nanocomosite structures, polymer matrix ceramic composites, ceramic matrix composites, and advanced coating systems for a variety of applications in the aerospace, defense, nuclear, and microelectronic industries.
  • Develop standard operating procedures to conduct consistent processing and characterization of materials for extreme environments.
  • Work collaboratively on a multidisciplinary team.
  • Synthesize and manufacture unique design architectures comprised of coatings and bulk materials using a variety of manufacturing methods. Materials synthesis may include perovskite systems, composites, oxides, and mixed components for a variety of applications.
  • Assist in performing a variety of testing and analytical materials characterization using the materials characterization laboratory facilities.
  • Assist in perform modeling and/or experimental analysis (microscopy, spectroscopy) to investigate the fundamentals of radiation effects in electronics and shielding.
  • Analyze data.
  • Disseminate findings in journals and conferences and monthly presentations.

Qualifications and Requirements:
  • Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent as of the hire date in Materials/Mechanical/Electrical/Nuclear Engineering or related discipline.
  • Excellent foundation in materials processing.
  • Hands-on experience with device and system characterization.
  • Experience in radiation effects (single event, total ionizing dose, displacement damage) is very helpful.
  • Excellent written/oral communication skills.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter describing their interest in the position, a CV including a publication list, and names and contact information of up to 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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