Postdoc Research Scholar - Digital Twins and Federated Learning for Advanced Manufacturing - #270021

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University seeks a Postdoc Research Scholar focused on Digital Twins and Federated Learning for Advanced Manufacturing. The role emphasizes developing and validating digital twin simulations and integrating machine learning within a federated learning framework.

You will contribute to scholarly publications, project deliverables, and hands-on training within a joint WCU–NC State research team.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant engineering field with a research record in modeling/simulation.
• Experience applying ML or data-driven analysis in manufacturing contexts.
• Ability to publish research in peer-reviewed venues and deliver project deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Conduct postdoctoral research on digital twins and federated learning for manufacturing.
• Develop, calibrate, and validate digital twin models; integrate ML in the framework.
• Collaborate with UNC-System partners; contribute to publications and training activities.

Skills

Modeling & simulation

Python & ML

Technical reporting

Collaborative research

Travel in NC

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Simulation software

Job description

Postdoc Research Scholar - Digital Twins and Federated Learning for Advanced Manufacturing – #270021

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:

• * 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
• * 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• * 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• * 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

• Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
• Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
• WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. Those serving in this position should expect periodic travel to partner manufacturing site in North Carolina. Remote work is not available.

This is a full-time, 12-month, time-limited, grant-funded appointment anticipated to begin on or about January 1, 2027 and continue through June 30, 2029. Renewal is expected to occur annually and is contingent on satisfactory performance and continued funding.

The primary purpose of this position is to conduct postdoctoral research supporting the digital twin workstream of the Personalized Federated Learning Framework for Advanced Manufacturing Environments. The position develops, calibrates, and validates digital twin simulation models for manufacturing equipment, processes, and material behavior; integrates machine learning capabilities within the digital twin and federated learning environment; and supports evaluation and deployment of the framework at industry partner sites.

The position also contributes to scholarly publications, project deliverables, student mentoring, curriculum modules, and hands‑on training activities as a member of a joint Western Carolina University and North Carolina State University research team. The position reports to the project principal investigator.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of modeling and simulation methods for physical or manufacturing systems, including digital twin development, model calibration, uncertainty quantification, and statistical validation.
• Ability to integrate machine learning or data-driven analytical methods into simulation and manufacturing environments using Python and a modern deep learning framework such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Ability to plan, conduct, document, and communicate independent and collaborative research through technical reports, project deliverables, peer-reviewed manuscripts, presentations, and partner-facing discussions.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, student researchers, university collaborators, and industry partners; safely operate around production manufacturing equipment; and travel periodically to partner sites within North Carolina.

Minimum Qualifications

• Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
• A Ph.D. (by the effective date of appointment) in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or a closely related field - with demonstrated research experience in the modeling and simulation of physical or manufacturing systems, supporting experience in machine learning or data-driven analysis, and a record of peer-reviewed publications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience validating simulation models against instrumented equipment or production data.
• Edge computing platforms (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson), embedded systems, or real-time control.
• Federated or distributed machine learning, or privacy-preserving analytics.
• Experience deploying research systems in operational or production settings.

Position Details

Position Type: Time-Limited Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week: 40

Number of Months Per Year: 12

Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering

Equal Opportunity Employer

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].

Background / E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.