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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. 

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members