Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Number: 977343

Department:
David L. Hirschfeld Department of Engineering, Angelo State University (ASU)

Salary: $65,000

Remote:
No

Posting Number: S1010P

Open Date: 11/21/2025

Desired

Start Date:

01/05/2026

Open Until Filled:
Yes

The Material Assessment and Qualification (MatAQ) research group, led by Dr. Mohammad Shafinul Haque, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support a DOE‑funded collaboration project between ASU and Fermilab. The research will develop a reliable framework to accelerate the development of novel high‑power particle‑production target materials for advanced particle accelerators, focusing on high‑entropy alloys (HEAs).

Work will involve reverse modeling, nanoindentation testing, data analysis, and the development of prediction models using machine learning. Results will be validated against new test data and used to down‑select suitable HEA compositions for high‑beam‑power facilities.

Note:

This position is funded by a grant and continued employment beyond the grant period cannot be guaranteed.

• 65% – Conduct research for the DOE‑funded project, including experimental design, data collection, analysis, and documentation.
• 20% – Communicate findings through peer‑reviewed publications, presentations at universities, national laboratories, and professional conferences.
• 15% – Participate in regular meetings with the PI, supervise two undergraduate students, and perform related duties as assigned.

• Experience with materials testing (tensile, hardness, nanoindentation, metallography) and microstructural characterization techniques (SEM, EBSD, OM).
• Experience with metallographic specimen preparation.
• Knowledge of mechanical properties of materials (hardness, elastic modulus, ductility, yield strength, strain).
• Track record of independent scientific research and creative problem‑solving.
• Programming experience in Python and/or C++.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Experience working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, demonstrated by conference presentations and peer‑reviewed publications.

• Ph.D. (or will have one at the time of appointment) in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Physics, or a related field. Ph.D. candidates nearing completion are also encouraged to apply.
• Backgrounds in experimental, theoretical, and/or computational research; candidates from all areas will be considered.

No additional preferred qualifications listed.

Not specified.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of selected publications and oral presentations.
• A statement of research interests.
• A brief statement on modeling, simulation, and/or programming experience (no more than one page). May include a list of relevant experience and related publications.
• Three letters of reference (to be submitted directly by referees).

Attach the documents listed above with your application.

• Will you have a Ph.D. in hand by the date of appointment or an advanced ABD by the date of the appointment?
  • Yes
  • No

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Angelo State University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to employment opportunities for qualified individuals with disabilities. If an accommodation is requested for the job application process, please contact our office at (325) 942‑2168 or email us at hr
.