Engineering/Science Postdoctoral Fellow

Northeastern University; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 60,315 - 85,192; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental benefits

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Wellness and life benefits

Retirement plans

Commuting and transportation assistance

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to engage in advanced manufacturing research relevant to aerospace and naval shipbuilding. This role involves developing experimental methodologies and mentoring students at the Roux Institute campuses in Portland and Brunswick, ME. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, with expertise in crystalline materials and additive manufacturing processes. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including medical and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. earned in mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in the characterization and testing of crystalline materials, including metals and ceramics.
• Strong background in additive manufacturing processes and the mechanics of materials.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, execute, and complete advanced manufacturing related research and training programs.
• Prepare and write technical reports and manuscripts for peer review.
• Mentor and train undergraduate and graduate students.

Skills

Expertise in characterization of crystalline materials

Strong background in additive manufacturing processes

Ability to work independently and in teams

Education

Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, materials science, or related field

Tools

Matlab

Python

ANSYS

SolidWorks

Job description

Engineering/Science Postdoctoral Fellow

About the Opportunity

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will engage in both fundamental and applied research in the field of advanced manufacturing, with direct relevance to aerospace lightweighting, hypersonic systems, and naval shipbuilding. The Fellow will contribute to ongoing research programs by developing experimental methodologies, computational models, and performing hands‑on laboratory investigations. Key responsibilities include generating high‑impact scientific publications and technical reports, contributing to additive manufacturing workforce development programs, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students engaged in related projects. The Fellow will work in close collaboration with Professor Andrew Neils on the Roux Institute's Engineering team at both the Portland, ME and Brunswick, ME campuses. This position will support several projects funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. Background checks and other clearances may apply.

About the Roux Institute

The Roux Institute is designed as an engine of innovation, talent‑building, and economic growth for Portland, Maine, and northern New England. It nurtures an environment for high‑impact research and innovation in computer and data science, digital engineering, the advanced life sciences and medicine, and other tech fields. Partnership is the cornerstone of our education and research model, with leading companies involved from day one. We are creating an agile workforce prepared to thrive in a competitive landscape powered by artificial intelligence as a force for good, and an environment for innovation in the life sciences and other high‑growth sectors. Together, we envision an innovation corridor that will, in the coming years, stretch from Boston to Portland and beyond.

Job Summary

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will engage in both fundamental and applied research in advanced manufacturing, with direct relevance to aerospace lightweighting, hypersonic systems, and naval shipbuilding. The Fellow will contribute to ongoing research programs by developing experimental methodologies, computational models, and performing hands‑on laboratory investigations. Key responsibilities include generating high‑impact scientific publications and technical reports, contributing to additive manufacturing workforce development programs, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students engaged in related projects. The Fellow will work in close collaboration with Professor Andrew Neils on the Roux Institute's Engineering team at both the Portland, ME and Brunswick, ME campuses. This position will support several projects funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. Background checks and other clearances may apply.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. earned in mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in the characterization and testing of crystalline materials, including metals and ceramics.
• Strong background in additive manufacturing processes and the mechanics of materials.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with data‑driven engineering methods, particularly those leveraging artificial intelligence or machine learning.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

1. Initiate, Execute, and Complete Advanced Manufacturing Related Research and Training Programs (50%)
   • Design and execute experimental investigations into process‑structure‑property relationships for advanced engineering materials (e.g., high temperature refractory alloys and their coatings).
   • Develop curriculum and deliver hands‑on cold spray additive manufacturing training and lab technician instruction as part of active Department of Defense workforce development programs.
   • Operate cold spray additive manufacturing systems, with occasional contributions to powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition programs.
   • Collect process and property data and develop data architectures and tools for automating data analysis. Relevant software platforms include Matlab and Python.
   • Develop physics‑based computational models (e.g., finite‑element analysis) to complement and contextualize experimental findings.
   • Apply CAD tools such as ANSYS and SolidWorks to produce geometric models for experimental specimens, including metamaterial and lattice structures as needed.
2. Prepare and Write Technical Reports and Manuscripts for Peer Review (25%)
   • Lead technical writing of sponsored program reports.
   • Lead or contribute to three or more peer‑reviewed publication submissions per year.
3. Mentoring, Collaboration, and Support (25%)
   • Mentor and train undergraduate and graduate students.
   • Support Roux Engineering team proposal development.
   • Perform lab management duties as needed.
   • Support Roux external industry and academic collaborations.

Benefits

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit‑eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement, commuting & transportation.

Employment Information

Position Type: Research

Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 108S

Expected Hiring Range: $60,315.00 - $85,192.50

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.