Research FELLOW - DOE Genesis Forward Modeling Project

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellow. The position is part of a U.S. Department of Energy Genesis Mission project that brings together the University of Michigan, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Argonne National Laboratory to accelerate materials discovery by integrating advanced 3D X-ray diffraction experiments, mechanistic modeling, and artificial intelligence.

A powerful set of high-resolution 3D X-ray diffraction imaging modalities - topotomography, dark-field X-ray microscopy, and Bragg coherent diffraction imaging - has emerged over the past decade that can resolve 3D defect architectures and strain fields with spatial resolutions approaching tens of nanometers. However, current reconstructions are slow, expert-driven, and difficult to scale, preventing real-time experimental decision-making and broader use for materials design.

To address this challenge, the project will combine molecular dynamics-generated synthetic microstructures, physics-based forward diffraction models, and generative AI approaches such as variational autoencoders and diffusion models. The resulting workflow will train AI models on paired virtual diffraction data and known ground truth, then validate and refine them using experimental datasets from DOE light sources. The postdoctoral fellow will focus on curating the virtual diffraction models and datasets, eventually extending into real experiments and experimental datasets collected at the Advanced Photon Source.

The successful candidate will:

• Develop physics-based forward models for diffraction-based materials characterization, including topotomography, dark-field X-ray microscopy, and Bragg coherent diffraction imaging. Many of these forward models exist to varying degrees of readiness, but the postdoc will be responsible for curating these models in preparation for the project.
• Simulate diffraction patterns from synthetic 3D crystalline microstructures (provided by collaborators at LANL).
• Integrate forward models with experimental data streams from the Advanced Photon Source and conduct new experiments at these facilities.
• Collaborate with AI/ML researchers to incorporate forward models into inverse modeling, uncertainty quantification, autonomous analysis, and surrogate modeling frameworks.
• Work closely with experimental collaborators at the University of Michigan, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the Advanced Photon Source.
• Contribute to publications, conference presentations, software development, and project reporting.
• Participate in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment spanning mechanics, materials science, X-ray characterization, scientific computing, and artificial intelligence.

Applicants should have:

• A Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, applied physics, computational science, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in solid mechanics, materials physics, and crystallography.
• Experience developing tools using Python, C/C++, MATLAB, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong communication skills and interest in collaborative, team-based research.

Preferred candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• 3D X-ray diffraction, high-energy diffraction microscopy, Bragg coherent diffraction imaging, dark-field X-ray diffraction, X-ray diffraction, or other diffraction-based characterization methods.
• Reconstructing, forward modeling, or inverse modeling of diffraction data.
• High-performance computing and scalable scientific software development.
• Molecular dynamics, crystal plasticity, finite-element, or other 3D mesoscale materials modeling.

Position Details:

• Location:
  
  Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.
• Department:
  Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan
• Start date:
  
  Flexible; preferred start date of September 1, 2026, or as soon as possible
• Appointment length:
  Initial one-year appointment, renewable based on performance for an additional one to two years
• Funding:
  The U.S. Department of Energy Genesis Mission
• Supervisor:
  Prof. Ashley Bucsek, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled at any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an Equal…