Postdoctoral Research Associate: Engineering - Squid Swimming

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has a mission to provide a high quality education to our diverse student population through excellence and innovation in teaching and research in order to serve the scientific and engineering needs of the state of Texas and the nation. This will be achieved by a balance of formal course work, practical laboratory training, and research projects that encompass both the basic science and the applied aspects of mechanical engineering. The department offers B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering degrees.

UNT has a highly diverse campus with a wide range of languages spoken in addition to English. We welcome candidates who have experience with HSI/MSIs and/or who speak Spanish, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin and other variations), Arabic, Tagalog, Farsi, French, or/and Yoruba.

Position Overview

The College of Engineering is seeking a qualified candidate to support a new NSF-funded project (https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award?AWD_ID=2602821) investigating coordination in squid swimming. The successful candidate will lead quantitative analysis of animal configuration and related flow field topology utilizing graph theory to assess the impact of swimming and environmental conditions on coordination and efficiency of animal locomotion.

The project will utilize state-of-the-art volumetric flow measurement techniques and development of novel analysis methods for quantifying swimming behavior. The project will involve close collaboration with biologists and advising undergraduate student researchers.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with analysis of three-dimensional velocity fields
Computer programming/scripting experience
Experience with graph analysis and optimization methods

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Job Duties

• Analyze data and develop physical models
• Write publications
• Prepare and present technical presentations
• Assist with project reports 

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Environmental Hazards

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Work Schedule

Varies based upon assignment

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.