faculty positions
Energy Faculty Appointments
The Pennsylvania State University will recruit and hire at least 25 new faculty positions in energy science, engineering, and policy during the next 3 years. This is part of an initiative to enhance an already vigorous program of environmental and energy research and education at Penn State that includes strategic alliances with major energy companies and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (View 2006 Energy Task Force Report)
Applications at the Assistant/Associate Professor level are sought, but appointments to senior ranks will be considered for qualified candidates. Most positions will be co-funded by the participating academic departments and by the Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment.
Open energy positions are listed below:
Solar Energy to Electric Conversion
The Department of Electrical Engineering (www.ee.psu.edu) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in photovoltaics. Exceptional candidates at all levels are encouraged to apply. The applicant must have the ability to teach effectively at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and to establish and maintain a strong, externally-funded research program. Of particular interest are individuals with expertise in third generation photovoltaics, and light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. Applications and questions regarding the search process may be addressed to the search committee chair, Prof. Craig Grimes (cgrimes@engr.psu.edu).
View Announcement
Energy Storage in Plants
The Department of Biology (http://www.bio.psu.edu/home/) invites applications for a faculty position in Plant Biology related to energy storage in plants. Penn State is an international center for plant biology research, with emphases in cell biology, development, genomics, ecology, and evolution. The successful candidate will use a combination of approaches, such as genomics, systems biology, genetics, cell biology or biochemistry, to elucidate the molecular control of the formation and accumulation of lignocellulose, starch, oils or sucrose in plants. Candidates should email a letter of application, curriculum vitae, research prospectus, statement of teaching interests, and names and contact information of at least three references, all as a single PDF document, plantenergy@bio.psu.edu. Publications and manuscripts (not more than three) may also be submitted as separate PDF documents along with the application. Review of completed applications will begin October 15, 2009.
View Announcement
Quantitative Analysis of Energy Risk
The Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering (www.eme.psu.edu) and the Department of Meteorology (www.met.psu.edu) invite applications
at the assistant level for a candidate who will bring state-of-the -art tools
of applied probability, risk, and decision science to problems in energy and the environment,
and who will develop innovative approaches to the analysis of risk and energy volatility in
emerging markets for energy and
environmental commodities and associated financial instruments. Ph.D. or postdoctoral training
in an economic or decision science field required. E-mail: ydy2@psu.edu.
View Announcement
Membranes for Energy Production
The Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering (http://www.engr.psu.edu/ce/) and Chemical Engineering (www.che.psu.edu) invite applications at the assistant or associate professor level for candidates conducting innovative research in the broad area of membranes, with an emphasis on energy development and more efficient energy-related processes, including: energy production from novel sources, such as saline water and wastewater; conservation of energy using membranes in water treatment processes; and separations including CO2 recovery and energy production. The successful applicant will develop a research program leading to national and international recognition, and teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Chemical, Civil, or Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field. Email: membranessearch@psu.edu.
This position is cofunded by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering(View Announcement) and the Department of Chemical Engineering. (View Announcement).
Wind Energy
The Department of Aerospace Engineering (www.aero.psu.edu) seeks an outstanding individual who is committed to education and the development and leadership of an interdisciplinary, externally-funded research program in the field of wind energy. Rank and tenure status will be commensurate with experience. General areas of interest include aeroservoelasticity of blades (aerodynamics, structures, and control), systems engineering and design, boundary layer behavior, turbine siting, energy storage and distribution, and economics and policy. A Ph.D. in one of these areas from an institution with a world-class concentration in wind energy, or commensurate postdoctoral experience is required. E-mail: aerospace@engr.psu.edu.
View Announcement
Landscape Ecology
The College of Agricultural Sciences (http://agsci.psu.edu) invites applications at the assistant or associate professor level for candidates with research interests in spatially explicit modeling in vegetation dynamics as affected by various stressors (e.g., land use change, climate change, biofuel production, and other energy-related impacts) . The successful candidate will join a multi-college team of ecologists and other scientists to attract external funding, publish in top-ranked journals, and teach and advise at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Ecology or a related field. Email: dme9@psu.edu.
View Announcement
Molecular Energy Conversion Processes
The Department of Chemistry (www.chem.psu.edu)
invites applications for candidates with research interests in molecular energy conversion
processes, broadly defined. Candidate may be either an experimentalist or
theorist with interests in catalytic processes relevant to energy conversion
in solar photochemistry, bioenergy, and fuel cells. Successful candidate is
expected to establish an exceptionally strong and highly visible research
program that incorporates excellence in both undergraduate and graduate
education. Rank is open; however, senior appointments should have a
previous record of national and international distinction. E-mail: energy_
search@chem.psu.edu.
View Announcement
Integrated Assessment of Energy Systems and Policy
The Department of Geography (www.geog.psu.edu) welcomes applications at the assistant/associate level in the area of integrated assessment of energy systems and policy from spatial, environmental and technical perspectives. Candidates should have expertise in energy systems, energy policy, and appropriate analytical and modeling methodologies, in the context of a rapidly urbanizing and globally integrated economic-geographical world. Ph.D. in geography, a policy science or related field with evidence of relevant research, teaching interests and a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration is required. Email: geogaa@geog.psu.edu.
Job announcement coming soon!
Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.