MEMS High Frequency Soft Magnetic Ceramic Materials Graduate Student Researcher (PhD or MS)

MEMS

Position Description:

The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science (MEMS) at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for a graduate student researcher with an emphasis on powder processing and characterization as well as advanced manufacturing of soft magnetic materials for high frequency applications, key materials for electrification of the transportation and industrial sectors. The graduate student position is fully funded as a result of a recently announced $1.2M donation from the Hillman Family Foundation to the Advanced Magnetics for Power and Energy Development consortium based at the University of Pittsburgh. The student will have an opportunity to collaborate with an interdisciplinary group of undergraduate, graduate, and PhD level researchers in the area of magnetic materials and electric power conversion applications. In addition, the student can expect close collaboration with other researchers from industry and the national laboratory system including NASA, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and both large and small companies ranging from materials development to device integration.

The advisor will be Prof. Paul Ohodnicki, and the graduate student researcher will have full access to facilities available within the Ohodnicki Lab at the University of Pittsburgh, the extensive shared facilities of the Advanced Magnetics for Power and Energy Development (AMPED), and the Petersen Nanoscale Fabrication and Characterization Facility (NFCF) amongst other facilities across campus.

More information about the Ohodnicki Lab research focus and interests can be found here:

Successful applicants should display a strong interest in synthesizing and characterizing magnetic materials as well as an interest to learn and apply both standard magnetometry techniques as well as high frequency measurements in the kHz-MHz range. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in materials science and engineering, applied physics, electrical engineering, or a related field. Prior experience and research in the area of bulk powder and ceramic material processing and characterization as well as magnetometry techniques is beneficial but not required. The project offers ample opportunity to develop relevant skills including milling, sieving, sintering, compaction, x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and impedance analyzer characterization.

Anticipated project work assignments will include characterization and synthesis of powdered soft magnetic materials as well as the application of advanced (potentially including additive) manufacturing techniques to synthesize relevant components for detailed characterization. In addition to conducting research, duties will also include preparing reports, performing literature reviews, supervising undergraduate students, and assisting with other projects in the laboratory.

Application Process:

Interested students should contact Prof. Paul Ohodnicki and also submit an application for the MS or PhD program.