Postdoctoral Scholar

Job Number: REQ_0000077013

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.

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