TTU Post Doctoral Research Associate

Lubbock

41786BR

Mechanical Engineering

Position Description

Performs specialized Post Doctoral work in the planning, conducting and/or supervision of original research. Responsible for participating in a research project associated with PhD studies and the interpretation of the results of publication. Work is performed under supervision of graduate faculty members with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of project. May supervise research and student assistants.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the Department and/or College

Mechanical engineering is the largest major in the engineering college at Texas Tech University. The Department is ranked in the top 25 in producing B.S.M.E. graduates (a total of 274 schools reported) according to ASEE. In 2023-2024 academic year, the Department awarded 295 undergraduate degrees, 40 MS degrees, and 15 PhD degrees. In Fall 2024, the Department enrollment includes 145 graduate students and 667 undergraduate students who have met the requirements and been accepted to the ME program. In addition, another 847 first-year undergraduate students have their concentration set for ME and are working to complete the required foundational coursework/GPA requirements. This is a strong testament to the demand and strength for ME!

Currently, the Department has 41 highly qualified faculty members from diverse backgrounds who conduct advanced research, advise students, and teach a rigorous curriculum. ME faculty serve as the investigators of numerous research awards totaling $4M per year. Many of the faculty members are fellows in their professional organizations, and many have received numerous teaching and research awards. Department faculty recognitions and awards include membership in the US National Academy of Engineering and foreign Academies of Engineering and Science, recognitions as Thomson-Reuters highly cited scholars, receipts of NSF CAREER awards, PECASE awards, and Department of Defense Young Investigator awards.

Major/Essential Functions

• The Product Design and Development Lab, directed by Professor Stephen Ekwaro-Osire in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, is looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate. The lab focuses on uncertainty quantification, structural health diagnosis and prognosis, and engineering design. Experimental techniques, machine learning, and digital twin concepts are used in the studies.
• Performs specialized postdoctoral work in planning, conducting, and supervising original research. Responsible for participating in a research project associated with PhD studies and interpreting the results for publication. Work is performed under the supervision of graduate faculty members with evaluation based on the accomplishment of assigned objectives and the overall effectiveness of the project. Will supervise research and student assistants.

Required Qualifications

PhD in area of project specialization. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof. Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions and other outcomes. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to plan and allocate the workload of employees, providing direct training and supervision as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Have a strong conceptualization background and experience addressing uncertainty and prognosis using machine learning and experimental techniques.
• Proficient in modeling and optimization using MATLAB/Simulink and Python, with hands-on experience in high-performance computing environments and parallel computing techniques.
• Be self-motivated, achievement-oriented, imaginative, and able to function independently and proactively in a team setting.
• Have a high level of oral and written English and experience writing manuscripts for journals, proposals, and project reports.
• Experienced in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in research projects, technical skills and professional development.
• Have completed a PhD degree with demonstrated productivity/publications.

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please provide electronic copies of 1 to 2 relevant top papers published in journals or conferences.

Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Posts in Specialty Journals, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

Travel Required

None

Shift

Day

Schedule Details

as needed

Grant Funded?

Yes

Job Group

Research Staff

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.