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.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Combustion Research Laboratory in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Penn State is seeking a Summer 2026 graduate Research Assistant. This part-time position is backed by the Office of Naval Research as part of a multi-university team exploring the fundamental energy transfer and initiation process in energetic materials at the micro and nano scales.

Job Duties:

• Design experimental facility for conducting microscale shock detonation experiments.
• Develop and apply high-speed laser and multi-spectral imaging diagnostics.
• Develop safe processing techniques and prepare inert and reactive micro-scale samples for use by PSU and other team members.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Knowledge of chemical kinetics and combustion theories.
• Experience in experimental design and handling of reacting or energetic materials.
• Proven experience with laser diagnostics.
• Effective communicator.
• Commitment to safety standards in handling hazardous, reactive, and energetic materials
• Previous experience in similar research settings and topics.
• M.S. in relevant field (i.e., Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering), with significant research experience with related diagnostic systems.

Please submit resume/CV along with a short research statement/cover letter highlighting your experience and expertise with relevant materials and processes. Applications will be evaluated immediately, with selection and hiring of a highly qualified candidate made as soon as practicable. This position is 100% in-person at the labs at University Park campus locations.

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

 

 

 

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