Postdoctoral Research Assistant II

University of Alabama in Huntsville; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Alabama in Huntsville in Alabama is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to support the Dean of Engineering. The role involves designing experiments, developing simulations and prototypes, and analyzing complex data to advance funded research and publications.

The position requires a PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, 12–24 months of relevant experience, and strong scientific writing and presentation skills.

Qualifications

• PhD is required in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 12-24 months of full-time work experience.
• Strong writing and verbal presentation skills desired.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct advanced experiments, build simulations or prototypes, and analyze complex data.
• Prepare peer-reviewed papers, technical reports, and present findings at conferences.
• Assist PI in writing research proposals or securing external funding.
• Oversee day-to-day lab operations, maintain equipment, and ensure safety and ethics compliance.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the lab.

Skills

Experimental methods

Computational modeling

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Scientific software

Job description

Job no: 504540
Department: College of Engineering
Work type: Postdoctoral Student Employee
Location: Alabama
Categories: Research - Engineering

Purpose of the Position

The Postdoctoral Research Assistant will provide support to the Dean of Engineering and conduct advanced research and engineering investigations through the design and execution of experiments, development of simulations and prototypes, and analysis of complex data. The position contributes to scholarly publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and external funding proposals while supporting the principal investigator’s research objectives. Additionally, the position oversees daily laboratory operations, maintains specialized equipment, ensures compliance with applicable safety and ethical standards, and supervises, trains, and mentors undergraduate and graduate students engaged in research activities.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive research. Design and conduct advanced experiments, build simulations or prototypes, and analyze complex engineering data.
• Write peer-reviewed journal papers, technical reports, and present findings at academic or industry conferences.
• Assist principal investigator (PI) in writing research proposals or securing external funding.
• Oversee day-to-day lab operations, maintain specialized equipment, and ensure compliance with safety and ethical standards.
• Supervise, train, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the lab.

Qualifications

• A PhD or terminal degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is required.
• 12 - 24 months of full-time work experience
• Specialized knowledge and experience in experimental methods, computational modeling, software tools, or laboratory techniques specific to the project.
• Strong scientific writing and verbal presentation skills to share results with technical and non-technical audiences are desired.

Published Salary (if available)

$60,000

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), including an EOE of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.