Postdoctoral Scholar - Reinhart Group - Materials Science and Engineering

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding. POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is searching for a postdoctoral scholar. The position will involve machine learning for autonomous thin-film materials synthesis, including representation learning for scientific data, multimodal data fusion, and real-time predictive modeling. This work will be performed as part of LATTICE (Layered and Thin Film Technologies with Intelligent Cloud Experimentation), a National Science Foundation Programmable Cloud Laboratory at the Pennsylvania State University's University Park campus. The postdoctoral scholar will develop specialized machine learning models that enable AI systems to interpret scientific data from instruments including atomic force microscopy, reflection high-energy electron diffraction, spectroscopic ellipsometry, X-ray diffraction, and similar characterization methods. These models serve as the perceptual layer for a multi-agent AI framework that will guide autonomous materials synthesis and interact with robotic systems. The models will be trained, calibrated, and validated against the specific data modalities produced by LATTICE instrumentation. The scholar will deploy these models on edge-computing infrastructure for real‑time feedback during deposition and integrate them with the Lifetime Sample Tracking data platform. The position requires close collaboration with LATTICE domain scientists in thin‑film growth and characterization, AI researchers developing the agentic workflow framework, and future users of the LATTICE framework. Requirements Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, plus a strong record of research experience in applied machine learning, computer vision, and/or scientific data analysis. Preferred Experience with one or more of the following is strongly preferred: deep learning for image analysis, multimodal or multi-task learning, or deployment of ML models in real‑time or edge‑computing environments. Domain knowledge of materials science, chemistry, or physics will be an advantage. Extensive programming experience in Python is required, and familiarity with PyTorch or JAX is preferred. 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 ourBenefits 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr Penn State Lady Lions