Assistant Research Professor - Instrument Automation
 The Pennsylvania State University | |
remote work
| |
 United States, Pennsylvania, University Park | |
| 201 Old Main (Show on map) | |
 Sep 04, 2026 | |
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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 Materials Research Institute (MRI) at Penn State seeks outstanding applicants for an Assistant Research Professor position focused on instrument automation. The position is supported by multiple efforts at Penn State, including the Department of Energy funded 3DFEM2 Energy Frontier Research Center and the National Science Foundation funded LATTICE Cloud Laboratory national facility. The automation of experimentation and data collection is increasingly critical with the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning enabled materials synthesis and characterization. The successful candidate will support the development of new automated synthesis and characterization tools along with training and supporting users of these instruments. Candidates for this position must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field, a strong record of related research, and experience maintaining and operating thin film deposition equipment. Specific experience with sputter deposition and characterization of ferroelectrics and semiconductors is a plus. This position requires excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills as well as the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team environment in support of the goals of in-house research and external users. Position responsibilities: To be considered for this position, applicants should include a curriculum vitae, a cover letter with a summary of relevant skills and experience and contact information for two professional references (name, position title, mailing address, telephone number and e-mail address). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. This is a term appointment with possibility of re-funding. 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 wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits 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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines | |