Penn State University

Materials Science Research Faculty

Penn State University$70K — $95K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 4+ years of hands-on experimental corrosion research experience
  • Proficient in materials characterization techniques like SEM, EDS, XRD
  • Successful history in developing proposals and test plans
  • Strong problem-solving skills and analytical thinking

Responsibilities

  • Lead proposal development for research on cold spray and additive manufacturing
  • Collaborate with specialists in materials science and engineering
  • Serve as Principal Investigator on key projects
  • Oversee project execution including test plans and reporting

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Robust retirement plans
  • Generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible dependents
Full Job Description
POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking a research scientist with a strong background in corrosion for a Research Faculty position within the Materials Science and Applications Division of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office at the Penn State University Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). Penn State ARL's purpose is to develop innovative solutions to challenging national problems in support of the Navy, DoD, and Intel communities engineering and technology needs.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:
  • Lead the development of proposals and statements of work on projects related to cold spray, additive manufacturing, and other materials science related research
  • Work alongside experts in materials science, metallurgy, engineering and performance modeling to uncover structure property relationships in a wide range material systems
  • Support the Division as a Principal Investigator (PI) and co-PI
  • Execute and manage projects including developing test plans, schedules, reports, and presentations and coordinating the completion of analysis and design work related to each project


Non-tenurefaculty rank will be commensurate with education level and experience.

Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Have 4 years technical experience in hands on experimental corrosion research and electrochemical characterization of alloys
  • Experience with materials characterization techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, Powder Particle Size Distribution, and Optical Microscopy
  • Past success in the development of proposals, statements of work, test plans, reports, briefs, academic papers, and conference presentations
  • Demonstrated ability to work through a difficult problem, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution


Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Working knowledge of cold spray and additive manufacturing technologies and metal powders
  • Working knowledge of computational and analytical corrosion research methods
  • Comfortable working in a laboratory environment, performing data collection and troubleshooting
  • Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
  • Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented, culture
  • Active DoD security clearance


Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College. This position will require periodic travel to meetings, conferences, or to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

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

All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

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 our 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.

About Penn State University

Penn State University Careers

There has never been a better time to explore the diverse job opportunities at Penn State University—the hub of innovation and professional growth.

Opportunities Await

Join Penn State University's dynamic team to assist in shaping the future of education and research. With a variety of positions available, from administrative roles to research-focused appointments, Penn State is at the forefront of fostering leadership and professional development. Transform your career trajectory with the best minds at Penn State University, where the culture of diversity and innovation thrives. This institution stands unique in the marketplace, offering a blend of academic excellence and real-world impact. Engage with a network of professionals dedicated to groundbreaking work and collaborative success across various disciplines.

Penn State University Job Opportunities

The team is actively building a market-leading workforce to support some of the most significant and innovative projects in academia and beyond.

Innovate and Lead

Join the largest network of academic and industry professionals at Penn State University, where over 17,000 dedicated individuals work at the intersection of education, research, and community service.

Drive Change

Deliver targeted solutions and educational advancements through a depth and breadth of expertise that is unmatched in the academic sector.

Be Part of a Great Team

Work with a diverse team leveraging Penn State University's extensive resources and global connections to develop solutions that make a real-world difference.

Future-Proof Your Career

Advance your career with limitless opportunities supported by unmatched training, development programs, and certification support from Penn State University.

Explore

Discover how Penn State University leads in sustainable practices and innovative research projects that pave the way for future generations.

The Penn State University Employment Experience

The combined expertise, global reach, and collaborative environment at Penn State University help overcome challenges and lead transformation in the academic and professional world. Candidates around the globe look to Penn State for new strategies and robust career paths to drive growth and success in the digital era.

Stay Connected

Join the Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. Penn State University seeks passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. SEARCH PENN STATE JOBS

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who are part of Penn State.

READ CAREERS BLOG

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Penn State University.
Learn more about Penn State University

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Penn State University

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Materials Science Research Faculty jobs: