Postdoctoral Fellow, Acoustic Systems, Metamaterials, and Sensing

Current UC employees must apply internally via Success Factors

Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference.

The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more  .

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.

Job Overview

The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at the University of Cincinnati is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow who will conduct independent and collaborative research in acoustic sensing, ultrasonic systems, and wave-based metamaterials within the Metasonics Lab. The successful candidate will contribute to funded projects in underwater acoustics, wireless ultrasonic power transfer, and 3D-printed acoustic materials, while developing advanced experimental and computational methods.

The position emphasizes high-impact research, scholarly publications, and proposal development, and is intended to support professional growth toward an independent academic or research career.

Supervisor:
Dr. Ahmed Allam

Lab Website:

Essential Functions

• Conduct experimental and theoretical research in ultrasonics, acoustic sensing, and metamaterials.
• Design, fabricate, and characterize 3D-printed acoustic and ultrasonic devices.
• Investigate wave propagation, focusing, and energy transfer in structured materials and fluid–solid systems.
• Develop and validate multiphysics models for acoustic systems.
• Perform underwater and enclosed-environment acoustic measurements.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of custom underwater experimental platforms and scanning hydrophone setups.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental and numerical data.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Participate in proposal writing and sponsored research activities.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Maintain laboratory instrumentation and documentation.
• Engage in professional development activities.

Required Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Acoustics, Materials Science, or a closely related field.

Required Experience

• Strong background in experimental and/or computational acoustics or ultrasonics.
• Experience in transducers, signal processing, metamaterials, or multiphysics modeling.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or similar tools.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Background in underwater acoustics or wireless power transfer.
• Familiarity with advanced instrumentation systems.
• Experience with additive manufacturing and micro-structured materials.
• Experience with COMSOL or ANSYS.
• Prior federally funded research experience.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits) Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status. Highlights include:

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC…