Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Texas at Dallas

Richardson, TX

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JOB DETAILS

SALARY

$57,000–$60,000 Per Year

SKILLS

Application Programming Interface (API), Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Conferences, Cross-Functional, Data Analysis, Data Sets, Develop Methodologies, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Experiment Design, Fluid Mechanics and Dynamics, Forecasting, Funding, Health Insurance, Identify Issues, Industrial Engineering, Interpersonal Skills, LabVIEW Programming Language, Laboratory Analysis, Laboratory Equipment, LinkedIn, MATLAB, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Mentoring, Oceanography, People Management, Physical Demands, Physics, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Presentation/Verbal Skills, Process Analysis, Process Flow, Project/Program Management, Proposal Development, Publications, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Research Skills, Scripting (Scripting Languages), Systems Analysis, Team Player, Training/Teaching, Writing Skills

LOCATION

Richardson, TX

POSTED

Today

Posting Details

Posting Details
Posting Number
S06736P

Position Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate

Functional Title

Department
Mechanical Engineering

Salary Range
$57,000-$60,000 commensurate with experience

Pay Basis
Monthly

Position Status
Regular full-time

Location
Richardson

Position End Date (if temporary)
01/20/2027

Posting Open Date
11/19/2025

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Desired Start Date
03/16/2026

Job Summary
The Flow Dynamics and Turbulence (FDT) Laboratory, within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position focused on laboratory investigations of small-scale turbulence above and below surface waves under high-wind conditions. We seek a highly motivated, independent, and creative researcher with a strong background in air-sea interactions and experimental fluid mechanics, particularly in optical flow visualization techniques. The successful candidate will conduct advanced laboratory experiments to investigate the dynamics of small-scale turbulence in the coupled air-sea boundary layer and its impact on air-sea flux transfers. This will be accomplished by a combination of novel experiments based on particle image velocimetry (PIV), laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), high-speed imaging, and schlieren/shadowgraphy techniques. The resulting dataset will support the development of sea-state-dependent parameterizations of air-sea fluxes.

Minimum Education and Experience
Ph.D in a related field.

Preferred Education and Experience

PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Physical Oceanography, or related field by the time of appointment.
Demonstrated research experience with a record of peer-reviewed publications in air-sea interactions, ocean waves and sea spray dynamics, and/or atmospheric and oceanic turbulence.
Demonstrated expertise in experimental fluid mechanics, with priority given to candidates experienced in PIV, high-speed imaging, shadowgraphy, and/or Schlieren techniques.
Experience developing LabVIEW scripts and APIs for target-specific applications, working with data acquisition (DAQ) systems, and proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and LabVIEW.
Capable of working independently and as part of a collaborative research team, with excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

Other Qualifications
To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct Experimental Research: Design, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments focused on surface-wave and turbulence measurements using advanced optical and laser-based techniques.
Develop Measurement Techniques: Develop and refine experimental methodologies that integrate complementary techniques to quantify surface waves and their corresponding processes, including turbulence, wave breaking, bubble entrainment, and spray generation.
Experimental Data Analysis: Utilize MATLAB, Python, and LabVIEW to develop DAQ systems, analyze experimental data, and create custom control and processing scripts.
Research Dissemination: Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at academic and professional conferences.
Collaborative Research Projects: Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary research team on projects related to air-sea interactions, and contribute to proposal development, student mentoring, and project management.
Maintain Laboratory Equipment: Ensure proper operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, including troubleshooting technical issues related to fluid mechanics experimental setups.
Mentorship and Training: Provide guidance to graduate and undergraduate students in experimental techniques, data analysis, and research methodologies.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Physical Activities

Working Conditions

Additional Information
The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years, depending on performance and funding availability.

A remote work schedule is not available for this position.

What We Can Offer
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:

Competitive Salary
Tuition Benefits
Internal Training
BCBS PPO Medical insurance - 100% paid for full-time employees
PPO and DHMO Dental Insurance Plan - PPO plans include ortho benefits
Vision Insurance
Long and short-term disability
TRS Retirement Plan - defined benefit plan offering lifetime annuity upon retirement
Voluntary Retirement Plan Options - additional savings opportunities with Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans and Deferred Compensation Plans
Dental/Vision/AD&D
Paid time off
Paid Holidays
Paid Winter Break
Fertility Benefits

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

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If you are looking for a rewarding career opportunity with great benefits? Look no further! Join our team!

About Us: The FDT laboratory is part of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. It is an interdisciplinary research group dedicated to understanding the nature of turbulence and examining turbulent flow processes in different natural, industrial, and engineering environments using experimental, numerical, and theoretical approaches. Particularly, our research agenda is focused on studying turbulent air-sea interaction processes, including surface waves and the accompanying generation of turbulence, spray, bubbles, airflow separation, and breaking waves. Another strand of our research is devoted to studying the turbulence structure in hurricane boundary-layer flows and examining the impacts of wind-wave interaction processes on offshore wind turbines and on-shore structures. In general, our research field is of interest to engineering, applied mathematics, and oceanography scholars. Physics learned from our work directly impacts our understanding of air-sea couplings and ocean waves, which is crucial for weather and climate forecasting and has significant societal benefits, impacting many aspects of human life.

Special Instructions Summary

Important Message
1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

About the Company

University of Texas at Dallas

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