Tenure track positions in SMEs 2025-2026

location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Opening date: 06 October 2025

the Department of Materials Science and Engineering Engages in a multi-year recruitment effort for tenure-track professors whose interests align with Strategic plan for the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Applicants from all areas of materials-related research are invited to apply, with particular interest in candidates who develop and/or use artificial intelligence, data science, and machine learning tools for the discovery, synthesis, characterization and applications of novel quantum materials with precisely controlled responses to external domains. Penn Engineering has distinct initiatives in Data science, Quantum Devices and Engineering (QUIEST) and Energy and sustainabilityIn addition to world-class facilities in Singh Center for Nanotechnology and Laboratory for research on the structure of matter.

We are looking for individuals who are committed to nurturing and building our scientific community in the broadest sense, participating in departmental, school and university-level efforts to achieve this goal, and working closely with students to identify and address challenges.

Penn Engineering strongly supports dual career couples, and we welcome and encourage inquiries about dual career assistance (for academic and non-academic opportunities) early in the recruitment process.

Discovery, synthesis and characterization of quantum materials for advanced applications: The discovery, development and characterization of new materials is crucial to the development of electronic, optoelectronic, energy and quantum technologies. It is expected to fabricate new highly engineered materials with control over local atomic bonding, structure, ordering of defects, charges, spins, and polarization along with new quantum geometry and topology. We are looking for candidates with experience developing cutting-edge tools incorporating artificial intelligence, data science, and machine learning algorithms to discover new quantum materials with precisely controlled responses to applied fields. Of particular interest are candidates using AI/ML tools to predict and synthesize new materials, including bulk and low-dimensional materials, with applications in smart device platforms.

Areas of interest include but are not limited to:

• Autonomous and AI-driven approaches to materials discovery and optimization
• Data-driven design and synthesis of bulk crystals, epitaxial growth of complex heterostructures, and thin film deposition techniques
• Scalable methods for producing low-dimensional materials
• Predict and control the composition, structure and properties of materials at multiple length scales
• Bridging basic materials science with applications in electronics, photonics and quantum engineering

The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in predicting and controlling the composition, structure, and properties of materials at multiple length scales to enable next-generation devices. Candidates who relate fundamental materials science to device performance are encouraged to apply, especially those who foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Candidates should have a strong background in materials theory, synthesis, and/or characterization, with a vision for how their approaches can address current challenges in device performance and functionality while accelerating materials innovation.

Professor Ritesh Agarwal heads this research committee. Candidates are encouraged to apply early to be given full consideration. The deadline for receiving applications is December 1, 2025.

Qualifications
Must have a doctoral degree. in materials science and engineering or related disciplines.

Application instructions

• Applications must be submitted online through Interfolio. Applications include:
• cover letter
• the biography
• Research statement (max. 5 pages)
• Teaching statement (max. 2 pages)
• Three confidential letters of recommendation

To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/175136

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including common ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected class under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Good-20387da0952df34594febda322832386