Postdoctoral Scholar

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. 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 Dr. Mohammad Rezaee is seeking highly motivated Postdoctoral Researchers to join a newly funded, NSF-supported project under the Tech Metal Transformation Challenge (STRIDE Ventures). The project focuses on developing architecture-specific, modular technologies to transform electronic waste into manufacturing-ready critical materials, including but not limited to precious metals, rare earth elements. This effort is led by Intel-E-Waste, a startup translating research into deployable infrastructure, with Penn State as a key research partner. The selected candidate will work at the interface of mechanical processing, chemical separation, and system integration for next-generation recycling technologies. Key Responsibilities • Design and execute experiments in metal recovery and separation • Utilize advanced characterization techniques • Develop and optimize process flows for targeted material streams • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams (engineering, chemistry, industry partners) • Support scale-up activities and prototype development • Publish high-impact research in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to technical reports Qualifications Required: Ph.D. in Mineral Processing, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field by the start date. Experience in physical separation, hydrometallurgy, separations, or recycling technologies Strong experimental and analytical skills Proficiency in data analysis and scientific writing (evidenced by publication record) Available to start immediately Creative problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. Preferred: Experience with critical materials (including rare earth and precious metal) recovery and separation Ability to work in interdisciplinary and applied research environments Start Date The position is available immediately, and an early start is preferred. Why Join This Project Work on a nationally recognized NSF-supported initiative Contribute to U.S. critical materials and supply chain resilience Engage in a project bridging research and real-world deployment Collaborate with academic, startup, and industry partners Opportunity to shape next-generation Critical Minerals and Materials infrastructure Location Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA). How to Apply Applicants should submit (1) a current curriculum vitae, (2) a maximum two-page statement of research interests and experiences relevant to the required qualifications, and (3) a list of three professional references. The review of applications will start immediately and continue until the position is filled. 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.) 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. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.