Postdoc Research Associate in Experimental Thermal​/Fluids Sciences

Postdoc Research Associate in Experimental Thermal/Fluids Sciences

The Department of Aerospace Engineering seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to contribute to research activities within the Experimental Thermal/Fluids Sciences Laboratory. The successful candidate will support cutting-edge research and assist in the day-to-day operation of the laboratory.

This postdoctoral appointment will work in the following areas:

• Conduct fundamental research in the areas of: plasma thermodynamics, multiphase flow dynamics, machine learning applications for multiphase flow modeling and prediction
• Assist the laboratory director with daily laboratory operations, including the supervision and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.
• Prepare technical reports and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to the development of competitive research proposals and other grant-related activities in collaboration with the laboratory director.

Required

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD or doctoral degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Preferred Qualifications:

• Documented background in experimental thermal-fluids sciences.
• Research experience in one or more of the following areas: plasma thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer, multiphase flows, or machine learning-based multiphase flow dynamics and control.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, as demonstrated through scholarly publications and the cover letter.

Department/Program & College

Description:

Iowa State has a long history of educational and research excellence in aerospace engineering. This includes training students for engineering careers in aviation starting as early as 1928, housing one of five NASA centers of excellence in Computational Fluid Dynamics in the 1970's, building the world's first Tornado and Downburst simulator, and housing the only university icing research wind tunnel in the United States.

Over the years, our graduates have distinguished themselves in the aerospace profession. Aerospace Engineering students at Iowa State take a rigorous curriculum in core aerospace engineering sciences and design, and have numerous opportunities to pursue hands-on work both inside and outside the department.

Department Unit/Website:
Department of Aerospace Engineering – College of Engineering, Iowa State University

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae, Letter of Application/Cover Letter.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment, or call  or Toll Free:

September 1, 2026

12 Month Work Period

Full time

Post Docs

July 17, 2026

July 24, 2026

R19619

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. , email eooffice.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.