Postdoctoral Scholar - Mechanical Engineering

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Department of Mechanical Engineering  at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Engineering Design Optimization Group Lab under the direction of Dr. Mary Frecker.

Job Duties:

• Conduct research in optimal design of adaptive structures, including magneto active and shape memory materials and structures, compliant mechanism synthesis, design for additive manufacturing, and/or topology optimization.

• Disseminate research results in peer reviewed publications and conference presentations.

• Assist in supervising and mentoring the graduate and undergraduate students working with Dr. Frecker.

• Assist in developing and writing external grant proposals.

• Assist in reviewing and providing constructive feedback on lab members' papers, oral presentations, and related work.

• Participate in research meetings and events, and fill in for Dr. Frecker, as needed.

• Assist in overall organization and management of the lab.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Ph.D. as of the hire date in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.

• Demonstrated success in carrying out independent research and dissemination of results.

• Excellent organizational skills needed for involvement in multiple projects.

• Excellent written/oral communication skills needed for active student mentoring and interaction with collaborators at Penn State and other universities.

• Experience in effective student mentoring.

• Dedication to ensuring a respectful, equitable and inclusive work environment.

• Experience with finite element analysis and design optimization preferred.

• Leadership experience preferred.

• Experience in writing grant proposals preferred.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter describing their interest in the position and career goals, a CV including publication list, and names and contact information of up to three references. Review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

This is a term appointment funded for one year from date of hire with excellent possibility of refunding. 

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