New

Postdoctoral Scholar - Mechanical Engineering

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jun 30, 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 Department of Mechanical Engineeringat 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 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. 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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