Research FELLOW - NSF - Granular Materials Using Graph Theory

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position as part of an NSF-funded project focused on understanding the relationships among particle geometry, packing structure, force transmission, and mechanical properties in dense assemblies of faceted, nonspherical granular particles. This multi-PI project integrates graph/network theory, granular mechanics, 3D X-ray diffraction and imaging, and discrete element method simulations.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative experimental-computational team led by Prof. Hongyi Xiao and Prof. Ashley Bucsek at the University of Michigan and with opportunities at national synchrotron facilities.

One of the hallmarks of granular materials is the complexity of their particle shapes. Real-world granular materials often consist of particles with flat surfaces, edges, and corners, including minerals formed through crystallization, ceramics produced by comminution, and building blocks used in durable ancient architecture. This project will use graph theory to represent and analyze the contact networks of faceted, nonspherical particles.

Graph-based descriptors will be constructed from X-ray-based 3D in-situ characterization methods, including High-Energy Diffraction Microscopy and Micro-Computed Tomography, and supported by Discrete Element Method simulations.

The postdoctoral fellow will contribute to one or more aspects of the project, including graph/network construction and analysis, 3D in-situ X-ray diffraction and imaging experiments, and discrete element method simulations. Applicants with strong expertise in any one of these areas and an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will:

• Work closely with an integrated experimental, computational, and data-analysis team at the University of Michigan.
• Develop and apply graph/network-based representations of faceted granular assemblies.
• Contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and/or computational modeling, depending on expertise.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present results at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to project reporting and participate in regular team meetings.
• Engage in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment spanning solid mechanics, materials science, X-ray characterization, condensed matter physics, granular mechanics, and network theory.

Applicants should have:

• A Ph.D. in physics, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, computational science, or a closely related field.
• A strong background in one or more of the following areas: graph/network analysis, solid mechanics, materials science, soft condensed matter physics, or computational modeling.
• Experience with data analysis or computational tools using MATLAB, Python, or similar platforms.
• 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:

• Graph-based network analysis for complex particle systems.
• 3D X-ray diffraction, high-energy diffraction microscopy, micro-computed tomography, and the associated analysis methods.
• Discrete element method and/or finite element method simulations.
• Physics of granular materials related to jamming, packing and deformation.

Position Details:

• Location:
  
  Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.
• Department:
  Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan
• Start date:
  
  Preferred start date September - December 2026
• Appointment length:
  Initial one-year appointment, renewable based on performance for an additional one to two years.
• Funding: U.S. National Science Foundation
• Supervisors:
  Prof. Hongyi Xiao (Department of Mechanical Engineering) and Prof. Ashley Bucsek (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering)

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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 Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.