Postdoctoral Scholar - Nonlinear Dynamics and Vibration Energy Harvesting

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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• 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.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The School of Engineering at Penn State Behrend seeks qualified applicants for a Postdoctoral Scholar position supported by a recently awarded NSF project. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Civil Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, or a closely related field by the appointment date. The position is best suited for individuals with a strong background in nonlinear dynamics and vibration control, with demonstrated expertise in stochastic dynamics or random vibration, computational modeling, and experimental validation of mechanical systems.

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Feng Qian in a collaborative research environment supported by Penn State and external partners. They will be expected to be highly motivated, self-disciplined, and capable of conducting independent research while contributing effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment. Strong proficiency in MATLAB for modeling and analysis is required. Experience in experimental vibration testing is expected, along with familiarity with FEA tools such as ANSYS and CAD software such as Creo and Fusion 360. Candidates should demonstrate strong research potential or an established publication record, with a track record of communicating research through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and technical reports. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to contribute to new research directions, collaborate across disciplines, and engage in proposal development activities.

Primary responsibilities include designing bistable and multistable smart structures and developing analytical and numerical models of nonlinear vibration systems. The successful candidate will investigate stochastic resonance and noise-assisted dynamics, perform finite element modeling of coupled mechanical and electromechanical systems, and lead laboratory experiments and prototype validation activities. The role also includes supporting experimental investigations under both controlled and real-world conditions, disseminating research results through high-impact peer-reviewed journal publications and conference presentations, contributing to proposal development for future funding opportunities, and mentoring undergraduate students in research activities.

Application Information

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit 1) an application letter describing qualifications, 2) a curriculum vitae including education, research interests, employment history, and publications, 3) a research statement describing research interests relevant to the position, and 4) contact information for at least three referees.

For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Feng Qian at [email protected].

Facilities and Resources

The successful candidate will have access to a well-equipped experimental laboratory for nonlinear dynamics and vibration research. The PI’s laboratory includes a vibration isolation table, high-fidelity data acquisition systems, shaker systems, laser sensors, force sensors, accelerometers, and a full suite of signal conditioning and data acquisition equipment to support advanced experimental studies in nonlinear vibration and energy harvesting. The laboratory is supported by flexible experimental space and student assistance for custom system design and fabrication.

Additional experimental resources are available through the School of Engineering, including a large-scale machine shop for precision fabrication, advanced rapid prototyping capabilities, and a 10,500-square-foot plastics processing laboratory with industrial-scale manufacturing equipment. Mechanical testing facilities support a wide range of material and structural characterization, including tensile, fatigue, and torsional testing, as well as thermal and spectroscopic analysis capabilities.

Computational resources include access to high-performance computing through Penn State’s Roar Collab system, along with licensed software such as MATLAB, ANSYS, Wolfram Mathematica, and CAD tools including Autodesk AutoCAD, Inventor, and Creo, enabling large-scale simulation and modeling of nonlinear and stochastic dynamic systems.

Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend is an undergraduate and graduate college of The Pennsylvania State University. Situated on a beautiful, wooded 854-acre hillside campus recognized as a U.S. arboretum, we have four academic schools (Business; Engineering; Humanities and Social Sciences; and Science); student residential living; a range of research programs and outreach centers; and a highly successful business and technology park. With 5,000 students in resident instruction and online in college programs offered through Penn State World Campus, we uniquely blend the atmosphere and focus on teaching of a small college with access to the academic, research, and professional development resources of a Big 10, R1 University. Our college is an open laboratory of learning and discovery where students gain real-life experience engaging with business, industry, and community partners. We seek faculty members who share our commitment to both teaching and scholarship, to the holistic development of students, and to principles of respect, diversity, and inclusiveness. 

A U.S. News & World Report recognized undergraduate engineering school, the School of Engineering houses ten ABET accredited bachelor's degrees, two ABET accredited associate degrees, four minors, two certificates, and one graduate degree. The school prides itself in rigorous undergraduate education for our 1800 students, emphasizing practical experiences that prepare our graduates for professional practice and graduate school. There are many opportunities for undergraduate students to engage with faculty in funded undergraduate research. More than 95 percent of graduates are employed in field within one year after graduation. The School supports a growing, all-campus interest in research that addresses issues of women’s health, energy & sustainability, and polymer science.

Erie, Pennsylvania is a metropolitan area of more than a quarter million people located on the southern shores of Lake Erie, two hours from Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo. The area’s economy reflects a mix of educational, medical, industrial, tourism, and service activity; the region is home to five colleges and universities in the region, including Penn State Behrend. Northwestern Pennsylvania offers abundant cultural, sports, and recreational opportunities with four seasons of adventure. Summers feature miles of beaches, a range of lake sports, and festivals every weekend, and the winters are made for skiing, skating, and more. It’s easy to get around, housing is affordable, and the cost of living is modest. Erie offers relaxed, comfortable living.

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 our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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