Postdoc Opportunities

The number of programs within our research group emphasizing the interactions between hydrogen and structural materials is growing.  I am seeking a dedicated scientist interested in expanding their experience in materials characterization (mechanical and microstructural) to understand these hydrogen interactions across a range of temperatures and alloy chemistries.  The selected candidate will be responsible for performing experiments, data analysis, technical communication of these results including writing papers, oral presentations, and potential proposal preparation.  As a postdoctoral researcher, the selected candidate will also be responsible for mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers.  Strong communication and organization skills are needed and adherence to all lab policies regarding safety and professional conduct (especially those aimed at promoting an inclusive and functional working environment) is expected.  

In addition to the above, the list below details several more specific tasks that you may be called upon to perform:

  • prepare metallographic specimens for mechanical testing and/or for microstructural analysis via mechanical or electrochemical polishing methods, as well as focused ion or broad ion beam methods.
  • perform microstructural analysis via optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques, including but not limited to conventional imaging, image quantification, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI), transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and atom probe tomography (APT), potentially also including correlative TEM/STEM. Further characterization via EELS, zero-loss diffraction, SEND/4D-STEM, etc may also be necessary.  Prior experience with such techniques is desirable but not necessary with an existing and strong foundation in at least one of the above characterization tools.
  • facilitate hydrogen exposure of relevant alloy materials, involving the coordination and exchange of specimens with collaborators, or possibly through development of novel testing environments in coordination with collaborators.
  • analyze microstructural and mechanical data with commercial, open source and house-built codes, including further refinement of such or development of new tools. As such, experience with Python is advantageous.

Interested candidate should have received (or plan to receive before the end of 2023) a PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or in some cases Mechanical Engineering. A strong track record of publications in peer reviewed journals is also desired.

You can learn more about the broader interests of our research group at our website: https://krogstad.matse.illinois.edu. For further details please send a letter of interest together with a CV/resume to Prof. Jessica Krogstad (jakrogst@illinois.edu).  Screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Applicants are also encouraged to consider several prestigious Postdoctoral Fellow Programs available at the University of Illinois.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply through these programs where appropriate to expand resources available to the candidate for professional development, salary supplements, and networking opportunities. More details about some of these programs are detailed below: