Job no: 504032
Work type: Exempt Staff Full-time
Location: Bethlehem
Categories: Postdoc
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Lehigh University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to our research initiatives and academic programs. This role offers a unique opportunity to work with Professor Ricardo Castro in the field of radiation damage in nanocrystalline ceramics, engage in cutting-edge research, and gain experience in mentorship and academic service.
Position Number: RC1450
Anticipated Salary: $63,480 (recent PhD) Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, including benefits.
Key Responsibilities
The incoming postdoctoral researcher will work on fundamental or applied research in Professor Castro's research group (Nanoceramics Thermochemistry Lab), with the possibility of conducting multidisciplinary research inside or outside Lehigh. The researcher is expected to develop autonomous research focused on manufacturing of nanocrystalline ceramics, characterization and particularly high resolution transmission electron microscopy at the cutting edge microscopy facilities at Lehigh University. The research shall also engage in the research group, and participate in the research program of the Lehigh MSE Department.
Responsibilities may include:
- Design, execute, and analyze experiments, contributing to the overall goals of the research group.
- Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences.
- Assist in the mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students, providing guidance on experimental techniques, data analysis, and project development.
- Contribute to grant writing, including assisting in the development of proposals and identifying funding opportunities.
- Participate in departmental seminars, workshops, and other events, engaging with the academic community.
Qualifications
- Doctoral degree (or near completion) in Materials Science and Engineering or a closely related field, completed by the start of the appointment.
- Strong background in transmission electron microscopy
- Demonstrated research experience and a track record of publication in reputable scientific journals
- Strong writing, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are required.
- Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with analysis of radiation damage in materials
Terms of Appointment:
This is a full-time, 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. The position will start on a mutually agreed-upon date.
Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, including benefits. Please visit the Postdoctoral Affairs Office website for the compensation policy at Lehigh University.
Application Process
Applicants should submit:
- A cover letter detailing research experience, career goals, and how they align with the department’s research areas.
- A curriculum vitae (CV).
- Contact information for two references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Lehigh University offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment that fosters professional growth, personal development, and a strong sense of community. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we value the unique perspectives and experiences of our employees. Competitive benefits, including comprehensive healthcare plans, tuition remission, and retirement savings opportunities, ensure your well-being and long-term success. Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.
Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.
- The duties of the position do not allow for a remote work option; the employee in this position will be required to work on campus where they can be fully accessible to the Lehigh community
- This position works with minors
Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.
Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.
Advertised: September 11, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled
Organization
Founded in 1865, Lehigh University is a premier coeducational, nondenominational, private residential research university that offers a distinctive academic environment for undergraduate and graduate students from across the globe. Lehigh University’s annual report from 2013 provides an overview of the intellectual activity across campus as well as a financial report. It is posted on our website at http://www.lehigh.edu/annualreport/.
Lehigh offers more than 90 undergraduate programs and majors featuring more than 2,000 courses in four colleges: The College of Arts and Sciences, The College of Business and Economics, The College of Education and The P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. Lehigh confers a total of 12 degrees at the undergraduate and advanced degree level. We have 482 full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty and approximately 200 adjunct faculty and lecturers and 10 full-time visiting faculty. With approximately 4700 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students, a small student-to-faculty ratio allows students to work closely with professors. About 69% of all full-time faculty are tenured, and 99% of full-time tenure-track faculty hold a doctorate degree or the highest degree in their field. We have 1,215 staff members supporting the academic, research and administrative functions.
Located in Pennsylvania’s scenic Lehigh Valley, the campus is in close proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia. Lehigh is situated on over 2,300 acres on four campuses. The Asa Packer Campus, Mountaintop Campus, and Murray H. Goodman Campus are contiguous and feature more than 153 buildings with 4.3 million-plus square feet of classroom, laboratory, office and living space. The campus also has 180 acres of playing fields and half of the campus is preserved as open space.
