Postdoctoral Scholar in the Center for Critical Minerals at the EMS Energy Institute
Psu
·Jun 9, 2026
- Location
- Penn State University Park, United States of America
- Workplace
- Remote, Hybrid
- Type
- Full-time
- Education
- PhD
- Source
- Workday
Description
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
The Center for Critical Minerals (http://C2M.psu.edu) at EMS Energy Institute/Penn State invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar position to conduct cutting-edge research in extracting critical minerals, including rare earth elements, from primary and secondary sources. This position will work on scaling up a three-stage process developed by Penn State to process 10,000 gallons per day of acid mine drainage to extract critical minerals. Successful candidates report to and work with the Center for Critical Minerals director.
Responsibilities include:
Conduct both applied and fundamental research involving mineral processing and hydro/pyrometallurgical processes; working with pilot-scale research operations is desirable.
Assist in research proposals.
Document research findings in reports and referred journals.
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in engineering or a related discipline by the start date. They should also have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to work in teams.
Interested candidates should submit the following:
An application cover letter highlighting the relevant experience for the position.
A curriculum vitae including educational background, employment history, and a list of publications, research projects worked, and the role played in those projects.
Contact information for three professional references.
Inquiries about the position can be sent to Sarma Pisupati ([email protected]).
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.
