Post-Doctoral Fellow

Join to apply for the Post-Doctoral Fellow role at University of Memphis

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Memphis invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position to begin in October 2025
. The initial appointment is for one year, with the potential for a second-year extension based on performance and availability of funding.

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering
, or a closely related discipline.
Applicants must demonstrate substantial hands-on experience in the synthesis and characterization of semiconductors, nanomaterials, 2D materials, multifunctional materials, or advanced composite systems
.

Research Focus Areas

• Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites
• Design and fabrication using autoclave processing, prepreg systems, resin transfer molding (RTM), vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), and other infusion or compression molding techniques.
• Advanced Carbon-Carbon Composites for Extreme Environments
• Development and characterization of modified carbon-carbon (C/C) composites for high-temperature aerospace applications.
• Experience with fracture/oxidation-resistant composite designs and densification techniques such as:
• Chemical Vapor Infiltration (CVI)
• Polymer Infiltration and Pyrolysis (PIP)
• Slurry infiltration

Preferred Skills

• Fabrication and thermo-mechanical testing of ultra-high-temperature ceramics (UHTCs)
• Development of thermal protection systems (TPS)
• Application of multifunctional coatings

• Multifunctional Nanomaterials and Synthetic Chemistry
• Synthesis and analysis of nanomaterials, including:
• Organic materials, MXenes, perovskites, nanotubes
• Self-assembled nanoparticles and thin films via layer-by-layer processing

Characterization Techniques

• HRTEM, STEM, XRD, XPS, Raman, FTIR, AFM
• Thermal analysis: DSC, DMA, TMA, TGA
• Electrochemical methods (e.g., Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) are a strong plus

• Conductive Polymers and Molecular Modeling
• Research on conductive polymer systems, including:
• Synthesis and electrical analysis
• Molecular mechanics and dynamics modeling
• Study of charge transport phenomena
• Multiscale characterization and modeling of electron transport

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following documents as a single PDF file:

• A cover letter describing your research background and interest in the position
• A current curriculum vitae (CV)
• Contact information for three professional references

Submit all materials via email to:
Johnson Humphrey, Email: johnson.h

The University of Memphis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We urge all qualified applicants to apply for this position. Appointment will be based on qualifications as they relate to position requirements without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class.

Minimum Position Qualifications

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.