Post-Doctoral Fellow-Experimental Heat Transfer & Multiphase Flows

The University of North Carolina; Charlotte, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina Charlotte invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Complex Fluids and Multiphase Transport Lab to advance experimental two-phase heat transfer and interfacial flow studies. The appointment focuses on high-velocity imaging, sensing, and data analysis, with mentoring of graduate students and collaboration with modeling experts.

The initial appointment is for one year with potential extension; expected duties include conducting experiments, publishing

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering with excellent communication skills.
• Experience in liquid-vapor phase change heat transfer, multiphase flows, interfacial instabilities.
• Familiarity with advanced imaging and sensing techniques and thermal-fluid system design.

Responsibilities

• Conduct two-phase heat transfer and interfacial flow experiments in a team setting.
• Collaborate with modeling experts and mentor graduate students.
• Publish research results and contribute to ongoing projects.

Skills

Liquid-vapor heat transfer

Multiphase flows

Imaging techniques

Sensing techniques

Thermal-fluid systems

Interfacial phenomena

Education

PhD in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

The candidate chosen for this position will be required to provide an official transcript of their highest earned degree.

The candidate chosen for this position will be subject to a criminal background check.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. In keeping with this commitment, UNC Charlotte ensures that persons of any background are invited, included, and treated equally in the terms and conditions of employment.

Position Information

General Information

Position Number

Position Number POST40

Working Title

Division

Division Academic Affairs

Department

Department College of Engineering (Col)

Work Unit

Work Unit Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science

Work Location

Work Location Duke

Vacancy Open To

Vacancy Open To All Candidates

Position Designation

Position Designation Post Doc

Employment Type

Employment Type Temporary - Full-time

Hours per week 40

Work Schedule

Varies

Pay Rate

Pay Rate $60,000-$70,000

The Complex Fluids and MultiphaseTransport Lab at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is looking for a well-qualified postdoctoral research associate in the area of experimental heat transfer and interfacial phenomena. The lab conducts research to advance fundamental thermal-fluid, interface, and data sciences, and apply them to enable efficient energy conversion and storage systems, sustainable manufacturing, and effective thermal management solutions. Postdoctoral Fellow ("postdoc") is a professional apprenticeship designed to provide recent Ph.D. recipients with an opportunity to develop further the research skills acquired in their doctoral programs or to learn new research techniques, in preparation for an academic or research career. In the process of further developing their own research skills, it is expected that Postdoctoral Fellows will also play a significant role in the performance of research at the University and augment the role of graduate faculty in providing research instruction to graduate students. A Postdoctoral Fellow works under the supervision of a regular faculty member, who serves as a mentor to the Fellow, and it is expected that the faculty mentor will impart the realities, and variety, of scientific careers, and will encourage experiences outside the laboratory to broaden postdocs’ aspirations. Within the confines of the particular research focus assigned by that faculty member, the Postdoctoral Fellow functions with a considerable degree of independence and has the freedom (and is expected) to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of appointment. Thus, the role of Postdoctoral Fellows is clearly differentiated from full-time technical employees.

Postdoc appointments are characterized by all of the following conditions:

• the appointee was recently (within the last eight years) awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g., Sc.D., M.D.)
• the appointment is temporary
• the appointment involves substantially full-time research or scholarship
• the appointment is viewed as preparatory for a full-time academic and/or research career
• the appointee works under the supervision of a faculty member
• the appointee has the freedom and is expected to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of appointment

Departmental Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:

Applicants should have a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering and possess excellent communication skills. Prior experience in the following areas is expected:

• Liquid-vapor phase change heat transfer
• Multiphase flows and interfacial instabilities
• Advanced imaging and sensing techniques (e.g., high-speed interferometry, particle image velocimetry, and acoustics sensing)
• Thermal-fluid systems design and fabrication

Duties and Responsibilities

The candidate will work in a convergent team environment to conduct two-phase heat transfer and interfacial flow experiments, collaborate with modeling experts, and mentor graduate students. Prior experience in advanced imaging, sensing techniques, and scaling analysis is highly desired. The initial appointment is for one year with the potential to be extended to the second year based on mutual agreement.

Department of Mechanical Engineering & Engineering Science

University of North Carolina Charlotte

Charlotte, NC 28223

Email: [e-mail]

Expected Length of Assignment

12 months (1 Year)

Posting Open Date

02/23/2026

Special Notes to Applicants

The candidate chosen for this position will be required to provide an official transcript of their highest earned degree.

The candidate chosen for this position will be subject to a criminal background check.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. In keeping with this commitment, UNC Charlotte ensures that persons of any background are invited, included, and treated equally in the terms and conditions of employment.

9201 University City BlvdCharlotte, NC 28223