Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Tuition assistance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Texas A&M University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance theoretical and computational mechanics of shell structures with coupling to electromagnetic theory. The role spans interdisciplinary work across engineering, medicine, and materials science.

The candidate will develop numerical solvers, validate models, and contribute to high-genus morphable shells under complex stimuli, with opportunities for publication and mentoring students.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Theoretical Physics, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in theoretical and computational mechanics of structures.
• Strong foundation in shell theory, elasticity, and variational mechanics.
• Experience developing custom numerical solvers or using finite element platforms (COMSOL, ABAQUS, ANSYS).
• Expertise in electromagnetic theory and coupling to continuum mechanics.
• Prolific publication record in theoretical and/or computational mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement FEM models of shell structures under mechanical and electromagnetic loading.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students on related projects.
• Prepare manuscripts, conference presentations, and proposals.

Skills

Theoretical mechanics

Computational mechanics

Shell theory

Variational mechanics

Numerical analysis

FEM programming

MATLAB/Python/C++

Independent & collaborative work

Strong communication

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

COMSOL

ABAQUS

ANSYS

Job description

Our Commitment Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency Texas A&M University

Department School of Engineering Medicine

Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate

Job Location Houston, Texas

Job Type Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who We Are As one of the fastest-growing academic health centers in the nation, Texas A&M Health encompasses five colleges and numerous centers and institutes working together to improve health through transformative education, innovative research and team-based health care delivery.

What We Want Join the School of Engineering Medicine as a Postdoctoral Research Associate! The Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to research in the theoretical and computational mechanics of shell structures, with a focus on extending these models to incorporate coupling with electromagnetic theory. This position is part of an interdisciplinary effort to advance the understanding and design of high-genus and morphable shell structures subjected to complex physical stimuli. The work is expected to contribute to the development of bioinspired and multifunctional materials, with applications across engineering, medicine, and materials science.

What you need to know

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience.

Location/Schedule: This position is located with the School of Engineering Medicine in Houston, Texas. This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends and may require occasional travel for conferences or meeting.

Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

Please note: This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.

Qualifications

Required Education

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Theoretical Physics, or a closely related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in theoretical and computational mechanics of structures.
• Strong foundation in shell theory, elasticity, and variational mechanics
• Experience developing custom numerical solvers or using advanced finite element platforms (e.g., COMSOL, ABAQUS, ANSYS)
• Expertise in electromagnetic theory and its coupling to continuum mechanical systems
• Proficiency in the numerical analysis of coupled electromechanical systems
• Strong publication record in theoretical and/or computational mechanics

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Excellent analytical and mathematical skills
• Proficiency in numerical analysis using finite element method (FEM) software (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, or custom FEM codes)
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C++, Julia).
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team

Responsibilities

• Research: Develop and implement computational models (FEM) of shell structures under mechanical and electromagnetic loading. Perform theoretical analyses involving nonlinear shell mechanics to validate and interpret numerical findings.
• Mentoring: Assist in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in related projects.
• Presentations: Contribute to manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and proposal development.

Why Texas A&M University? We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leaveand at leasteight hours of paid vacationeach month
• Automatic enrollment in theTeacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to freeLinkedIn Learningtraining, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistancefor completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.