Job Title

Postdoctoral Researcher (PIER - Pioneering Advanced Materials for Renewable Energy Research)

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Physics

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Prairie View, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Important Immigration information:

A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Texas A&M University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University subject to this fee.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

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The Department of Physics at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Postdoctoral Fellow to join our research team in the field of Materials Science. This position focuses on the characterization and analysis of advanced materials, with an emphasis on magnetic, optoelectronic, and thermoelectronic measurements. The ideal candidate will also contribute to the integration of machine learning and predictive modeling to enhance material design and performance prediction.

The appointment is a one-year, full-time position in residence at Prairie View A&M University. The university retains the option to renew the appointment for a second year based on performance, research progress, and availability of funding. The maximum term is two years.

This position is funded by restricted funds or a grant. Continued employment is contingent upon the renewal of restricted or grant funds.

The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.

Responsibilities:

Conduct experimental research on novel materials with a focus on magnetic, optoelectronic, and thermo-electronic properties.
Develop and optimize measurement techniques for advanced materials characterization.
Apply machine learning models to analyze experimental data and predict material behavior.
Collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and researchers on multidisciplinary projects.
Contribute to writing research papers, grant proposals, and presenting findings at conferences.
Assist in the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students in the laboratory.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Engineering or a related field (earned within the past three years).
Experience with machine learning and predictive modeling applied to material science or related fields.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong background in materials characterization techniques, specifically in Magnetic, Optoelectronic, and Thermoelectric measurements.
Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and work in a collaborative environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with advanced characterization tools (e.g., PPMS, XRD, SQUID magnetometry, optical spectroscopy, or scanning probe microscopy).
Experience with high-performance computing or cloud-based machine learning platforms.
Knowledge of data-driven approaches to material design and optimization.
Proven experience and strong interest in collaborative research with peers across disciplines particularly with those in humanities and social sciences.

Job Posting Close Date:

Until Filled

Required Attachments:

Please attach all required documents listed below in the attachment box labeled as either “Resume/CV or Resume/Cover Letter” on the application. Multiple attachments may be included in the “Resume/CV” or Resume/Cover Letter” attachment box.  Any additional attachments provided outside of the required documents listed below are considered optional.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Cover Letter

Application Submission Guidelines:

All applicants are required to apply via our Career Site on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, HigherEdJobs, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the PVAMU Career site.

The required documents listed in the above "Required Attachments" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resource on or before the closing date indicated above at 936-261-1730 or jobs@pvamu.edu should you need assistance with the online application process.

Background Check Requirements:

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site