Post Doctoral Fellow - Mechanical Engineering

Post Doctoral Fellow - Mechanical Engineering

Clemson University:
College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences:
Mechanical Engineering

Location: FLUOR DANIEL (ENGINEERING INNOVATION CENTER) EIB(000388) BLDG
000388 FL02

Open Date: Aug 04, 2026

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research program focused on advancing the reliability, efficiency, and intelligence of next‑generation mechanical and energy systems. The research integrates computational mechanics, tribology, artificial intelligence, and experimental validation to address critical challenges in bearing reliability and energy system optimization. The postdoctoral researcher will lead and contribute to three interconnected research thrusts:

Expand the multiscale computational models from PI to investigate how manufacturing defects influence the initiation and progression of bearing damage under realistic operating conditions. The work will combine material‑scale mechanisms with component‑level performance to improve predictive capabilities for bearing life and failure. The expected outcomes include new modeling methodologies and insights that support the design of more reliable bearing systems.

Investigate the effects of low‑voltage electrical arcing on bearing degradation through integrated experimental characterization and computational modeling. The research will examine wear mechanisms, material degradation, lubrication behavior, and damage evolution under electrically induced loading. The goal is to establish a comprehensive understanding of electro‑tribological interactions and develop predictive models for electrically induced bearing failures.

Develop reinforcement learning algorithms for improving the operational efficiency, reliability, and performance of energy systems. The research will explore intelligent control strategies capable of optimizing system operation under varying conditions while balancing efficiency, robustness, and computational performance. Applications may include energy systems, such as turbines and data centers.

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to work closely with faculty members, graduate students, and external collaborators to produce high‑impact research outcomes through both computational and experimental investigations.

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research across the three project themes.
• Develop computational models, numerical simulations, and data‑driven algorithms.
• Design, perform, and analyze laboratory experiments related to bearing electro‑tribology.
• Publish research findings in high‑quality peer‑reviewed journals.
• Present research at national and international conferences.
• Assist with day‑to‑day laboratory management, including maintaining research equipment, documenting experimental procedures, and supporting a safe and productive research environment.
• Contribute to the preparation of competitive research grant proposals and funding applications.
• Participate actively in collaborative research meetings and outreach activities.

• Deliverable 1 - Multiscale Bearing Damage Modeling (Month 4-5) Complete the development and validation of multiscale models describing bearing damage progression considering manufacturing defects. Expected output:
  One peer‑reviewed journal manuscript submitted.
• Deliverable 2 - Electro‑Tribology of Bearings Under Low‑Voltage Arcing (Month 6-7) Complete the initial experimental investigation and computational analysis of electro‑tribological behavior under low‑voltage arcing conditions. Expected output:
  One peer‑reviewed journal manuscript submitted.
• Deliverable 3 - Reinforcement Learning for Energy System Optimization (Month 11-12) Develop and evaluate reinforcement learning methodologies for improving energy system efficiency…