Postdoctoral Researcher - Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead the modeling and simulation work on bioinspired self-burying seed carriers for forest regeneration. The work centers on the coupling between hygroscopic actuation in soft active materials, large deformation and instability of slender structures, and the response of granular soil to a penetrating body. The position is part of an NSF-funded collaborative project with the University of California Berkeley, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell University.

This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by a union, SEIU Local 200 United.

Qualifications

PhD in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, materials science, physics, or a closely-related discipline.

Job Specific Qualifications

• Demonstrate potential for excellence in research
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to drive a new project in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following project areas: nonlinear finite element analysis including user subroutines in Abaqus, discrete element or particle-based simulation of granular materials such as LAMMPS, large deformation and structural instability, multiphysics coupling, design optimization, high-performance computing, scientific software development

Responsibilities

The candidate will develop and validate models of seed carrier actuation and carrier-soil interaction, calibrate those models against laboratory and field measurements, build an integrated simulation platform for design exploration, and work with the manufacturing and field testing groups on the project. The candidate will also help the PI to mentor students.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references.