Postdoctoral Research Associate

Posting Details

Posting Details Posting Number: S06736P Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate Functional Title: Department of Mechanical Engineering Salary Range: $57,000-$60,000 commensurate with experience Pay Basis: Monthly Position Status: Regular full-time Location: Richardson Position End Date: if temporary 01/02/2027 Posting Open Date: 11/19/2025 Posting Close Date: Open Until Filled Desired Start Date: 03/16/2026

Job Summary

The Flow Dynamics and Turbulence FDT Laboratory within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position focused on laboratory investigations of small-scale turbulence above and below surface waves under high-wind conditions. We seek a highly motivated independent and creative researcher with a strong background in air-sea interactions and experimental fluid mechanics particularly in optical flow visualization techniques.

The successful candidate will conduct advanced laboratory experiments to investigate the dynamics of small-scale turbulence in the coupled air-sea boundary layer and its impact on air-sea flux transfers. This will be accomplished by a combination of novel experiments based on particle image velocimetry (PIV), laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), high-speed imaging, and schlierenshadowgraphy techniques. The resulting dataset will support the development of sea-state-dependent parameterizations of air-sea fluxes.

Minimum Education and Experience

Ph.D in a related field. Preferred Education and Experience:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering
• Physical Oceanography or related field by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated research experience with a record of peer-reviewed publications in air-sea interactions, ocean waves, and sea spray dynamics, and/or atmospheric and oceanic turbulence.
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental fluid mechanics with priority given to candidates experienced in PIV, high-speed imaging, shadowgraphy, and/or Schlieren techniques.
• Experience developing LabVIEW scripts and APIs for target-specific applications, working with data acquisition (DAQ) systems, and proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and LabVIEW.
• Capable of working independently and as part of a collaborative research team with excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

Other Qualifications

To the extent this position requires the holder to research work on or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.0012 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct Experimental Research

• Design and execute laboratory experiments focused on surface-wave and turbulence measurements using advanced optical and laser-based techniques.
• Develop Measurement Techniques
• Develop and refine experimental methodologies that integrate complementary techniques to quantify surface waves and their corresponding processes, including turbulence, wave breaking, bubble entrainment, and spray generation.
• Experimental Data Analysis
• Utilize MATLAB, Python, and LabVIEW to develop DAQ systems, analyze experimental data, and create custom control and processing scripts.
• Research Dissemination
• Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at academic and professional conferences.
• Collaborative Research Projects
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary research team on projects related to air-sea interactions and contribute to proposal development, student mentoring, and project management.
• Maintain Laboratory Equipment
• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, including troubleshooting technical issues related to fluid mechanics experimental setups.
• Mentorship and Training
• Provide guidance to graduate and undergraduate students in experimental techniques, data analysis, and research methodologies.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Physical Activities Working Conditions Additional Information

The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of renewal for up to three years depending on performance and funding availability. A remote work schedule is not available for this position.

What We Can Offer

UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package, effective as of your hire date, includes:

• Competitive Salary
• Tuition Benefits
• Internal Training
• BCBS PPO Medical insurance - 100 paid for full-time employees
• PPO and DHMO Dental Insurance Plan - PPO plans include ortho benefits
• Vision Insurance
• Long and short-term disability
• TRS Retirement Plan - defined benefit plan offering lifetime annuity upon retirement
• Voluntary Retirement Plan Options - additional savings opportunities with Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans and Deferred Compensation Plans
• DentalVisionAD&D
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Winter Break
• Fertility Benefits

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program. Visit http://shr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits for more information.

If you are looking for a rewarding career opportunity with great benefits, look no further. Join our team.

About Us

The FDT laboratory is part of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. It is an interdisciplinary research group dedicated to understanding the nature of turbulence and examining turbulent flow processes in different natural, industrial, and engineering environments using experimental, numerical, and theoretical approaches.

Our research agenda is focused on studying turbulent air-sea interaction processes, including surface waves and the accompanying generation of turbulence, spray bubbles, airflow separation, and breaking waves. Another strand of our research is devoted to studying the turbulence structure in hurricane boundary-layer flows and examining the impacts of wind-wave interaction processes on offshore wind turbines and on-shore structures.

In general, our research field is of interest to engineering, applied mathematics, and oceanography scholars. Physics learned from our work directly impacts our understanding of air-sea couplings and ocean waves, which is crucial for weather and climate forecasting and has significant societal benefits impacting many aspects of human life.

Special Instructions

Summary

Important Message 1 All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others, and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

Important Message 2 The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment.

The University is committed to providing access equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.