New

Postdoctoral Scholar

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Sep 14, 2026
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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding. POSITION SPECIFICS The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position to conduct research on projects in collaboration with Dr. Randy Vander Wal. Broadly, the research involves carbon materials, surface chemistry, microscopic and spectroscopic characterization and applications. Carbon forms range from graphene to carbon blacks, also including graphitizing and non-graphitizing carbons precursors. Characterization techniques include TEM, XRD, NMR, TGA, Raman and XPS for structure and bonding information. Applications include barrier coatings, carbon-carbon composites and energy storage media. ranging from combustion produced soot to graphene, and addressing topics such as oxidative reactivity and functionalization, respectively. These themes connect fields spanning materials, human health, and energy. Extensive analytical characterization using the instruments at the Penn State Materials Characterization Laboratory (MCL) and laboratory-based preparation is common to these material studies, in particular laser processing. Current projects include characterization and processing of graphene mixtures in composites, graphite formation, and reacting flows, including flame synthesis. Related studies include thermal versus microwave pyrolysis processing of hydrocarbons. Work on multiple projects is to be anticipated. Applicants must hold a PhD in fuel science, materials science, chemical engineering, or related field by start date. Strong background and training in chemistry and materials characterization techniques is required. Experience with pulsed lasers, optics, spectroscopy and associated spectral acquisition systems is desirable, though not essential. Candidates should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, be able to work independently and have requisite computer skills. Adaptability to specialized data analysis software, e.g. Origin and analytical instrumental software packages is also desirable. Interested candidates should submit the following: an application letter highlighting qualifications for the position; a curriculum vitae including educational background, employment history, and a list of peer reviewed publications; research statement of your interests in the context of desired qualifications; 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 ourBenefits Page. 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