Post-Doctoral Associate #1- Prof. Tianhong Cui

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 62,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Minnesota seeks a post-doctoral associate in Mechanical Engineering to lead high‑level MEMS research focused on sensors, circuitry design, and data analysis. The role includes mentoring PhD/MSME students, coordinating lab activities, and contributing to publications and proposals.

You will collaborate with a cross‑disciplinary team across the university and partner institutions, foster data-driven progress, and support lab organization, safety, and reporting during a one-year

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Experimental experience in an academic research lab environment.
• Design, fabrication, and characterization of MEMS devices and systems.
• Cleanroom experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform high level experimental, theoretical, and numerical research and data analysis.
• Present publications and prepare proposals.
• Mentor PhD and MSME students.
• Organize and manage the laboratory.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams within the University and partner institutions.
• Assist with preparing publications, progress reports, and conference presentations.
• Lead and coordinate research activities as a post-doctoral associate.
• Oversee lab safety and data recording.

Skills

Experimental research

MEMS devices

Design & fabrication

Cleanroom experience

Data analysis

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PCB design

Job description

Location: Twin Cities

Job Family: Academic

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Employee Class: Acad Prof and Admin

About the Job

This is a one-year full-time position. It is possible this position might be extended for a second year depending on satisfactory performance, the availability of funds and/or work for the position, and meeting standard University employment requirements.

This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities:

• Performing high level experimental, theoretical, and numerical research and data analysis (50%)
• Presentation publication, and proposal preparation (25%)
• Mentoring PhD and MSME students (10%)
• Laboratory organization and management (10%)
• Other duties as assigned (5%)

Duties

• In this position you will be expected to perform high level experimental, theoretical, and/or numerical research. Your primary research project will focus on MEMS-based sensors, circuitry design and fabrication, and data analysis, but you will have some latitude to study a variety of scientific topics chosen through mutual agreement and within the constraints of available funding.
• In this context, you might be expected to generate new research ideas and lead development of new research proposals.
• In this position, you will collaborate with a highly interdisciplinary team within the University of Minnesota and partner universities. Such collaborations may also extend to leading the communication with industrial partners through regular progress reports and supporting technology transfer processes where applicable. You will also be expected to participate in preparing, presenting, and discussing data with study investigators.
• You will be expected to author, co-author, and otherwise collaborate on preparing publications for peer review describing research results, assisting with the preparation of progress reports as required by funding agencies, preparation of presentations for conferences, attendance at grant review meetings, and assisting with proposal preparation. You will also be expected to participate in preparing, presenting, and discussing data with study investigators.
• As a post-doctoral associate, you will be encouraged to serve as a leader on your research team by mentoring graduate students, undergraduate students, and/or lab technician research team members. This may include advice on technical questions, data analysis, discussions on the development of research plans, preparation of manuscripts and reports, participating in the application / execution of established techniques to other projects, and helping them to develop and pursue their own independent research as a co-author.
• You might be acting lead on research projects and expected to effectively coordinate research activities within the project team, communicate project needs, and provide regular updates on project progress to the lab group and Principal Investigator.
• You will have joint responsibility for the organization and management of laboratories under the faculty mentor's supervision ensuring all lab members follow all safety protocols, properly recording data from experimental and numerical research and promptly backing up all data.
• While in this position you might also have the opportunity to teach courses offered in our department. These duties would be to prepare and deliver lectures, prepare homework assignments, quizzes and exams, hold office hours, assess student work, supervise the teaching assistants and manage the administration of the course.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field
• Experimental experience in academic research lab environment
• Design, fabrication, and characterization of MEMS devices and systems
• Cleanroom experience is required

Preferred qualifications

• Modeling and simulation skills
• Data analysis skills
• Familiar with electrochemical processes
• PCB design and fabrication

About the Department

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has an internationally recognized faculty, and is part of the College of Science and Engineering, the highly interdisciplinary college of engineering, physical sciences, and mathematics.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,232 - $63,000 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.