Part-Time Research Assistant
 The Pennsylvania State University | |
remote work
| |
 United States, Pennsylvania, University Park | |
| 201 Old Main (Show on map) | |
 May 01, 2026 | |
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering is seeking applicants for part-time job of Research Assistant. Job duties to include: Develop a data-driven, physics-informed modeling framework to improve the predictive capability of population balance models (PBMs) for stirred media milling. The project addresses a key limitation of conventional PBMs, which rely on empirical selection, breakage, and classification functions that are typically calibrated using bulk particle size distribution data and do not explicitly capture the complex, heterogeneous physics inside the mill. The research will integrate DEM-CFD simulation data to resolve the underlying microscale mechanisms governing particle breakage. A physics-informed graph neural network (PI-GNN) framework will be constructed, where the mill domain is represented as a spatial graph. In this representation, nodes correspond to coarse-grained spatial regions, and edges capture local transport and interaction pathways. The PI-GNN will be trained to learn spatially distributed PBM closure terms using local physical descriptors obtained from DEM-CFD simulations, including solids fraction, velocity fields, shear rate, pressure, shear stress, granular temperature, contact density, collision frequency, and energy dissipation. These learned closures will then be embedded into a PBM solver to predict particle size distribution evolution and to identify high-energy breakage regions within the mill. The overall objective is to establish a multiscale modeling framework that links particle-scale physics with macroscale milling performance, enabling more accurate and physically grounded predictions of grinding efficiency. This work will serve as a proof-of-concept for incorporating machine learning-based closures into mechanistic comminution models. Compensation: The starting rate for this job is $41.19. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines | |