Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a prestigious university as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the School of Engineering Medicine. This role focuses on theoretical and computational mechanics, contributing to innovative research on shell structures. The position offers opportunities for professional development and collaboration across multiple disciplines.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Annual paid holidays

Paid sick leave and vacation

Automatic enrollment in retirement system

Free exercise programs

Access to LinkedIn Learning training

Tuition assistance for completing a degree

Living Well program

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in shell theory, elasticity, and variational mechanics.
• Demonstrated experience in theoretical and computational mechanics of structures.
• Strong publication record in theoretical and/or computational mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Develop mathematical and computational models of shell structures under loading.
• Assist in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and conference presentations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Mathematical skills

Communication skills

Programming skills

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or Theoretical Physics

Tools

COMSOL

ABAQUS

ANSYS

MATLAB

Python

C++

Julia

Job description

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 pers p ectives, talents & lived experience s . 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 mathematical and computational models of shell structures under mechanical and electromagnetic loading.Perform theoretical analyses involving nonlinear shell mechanics, differential geometry, and multiphysics coupling.Implement and validate numerical methods (FEM, spectral, or custom solvers) to simulate coupled electromechanical behavior.

• Mentoring:Assist in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in related projects.

• Presentations:Contribute to manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and proposal development. Collaborate with faculty and students across mechanical engineering and applied physics.

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 leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

• Educational release time and tuition assistance for 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

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered, or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.