Postdoctoral Research Associate

C001 New Jersey Institute of Technology; United States; On-site; USD 54,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) invites applications for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct fundamental studies on ignition of reactive materials. The role focuses on emulsion-assisted milling and involves supervising a Ph.D.

student, collaborating with a faculty mentor, and presenting at conferences. The position is grant-funded for up to three years total, with an initial term of one year.

Qualifications

• A recently awarded Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting laboratory experiments.
• Strong background in electrical, optical, and/or pressure measurement techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven record of scholarly publication.

Responsibilities

• Experimental design and execution of experiments on material synthesis and processing by EAM.
• Analyze synthesized materials using SEM/TEM, TGA/DSC and related techniques; characterize ignition/combustion.
• Process data, prepare technical reports for the funding agency, and generate manuscripts for publication.
• Mentor a Ph.D. student and collaborate with a faculty mentor.
• Prepare and deliver professional presentations at national and international conferences.

Skills

PhD in relevant field

Experimental design experience

Measurement techniques

Strong communication skills

Education

PhD

Tools

SEM/TEM

TGA/DSC

Job description

Are you a current NJIT employee? Apply here through the Internal Jobs Hub. Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate Department: Dist Professor Reports To: Distinguished Professor

Position Summary

The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) invites applications for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher position to conduct fundamental studies on the ignition of reactive materials. This is a grant-funded position with an initial term of one year, renewable for up to three years total, contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued grant funding. This position is centered on experimental research investigating the processing and synthesis of materials by emulsion-assisted milling (EAM). The successful candidate will work collaboratively with a faculty mentor and closely supervise a Ph.D. student.

Essential Functions

• Experimental Design and Execution: Independently design, set up, and execute experiments on material synthesis and processing by EAM.
• Material and Reaction Analysis: Analyze synthesized materials using techniques such as Electron Microscopy (SEM/TEM) and Thermal Analysis (TGA/DSC). Characterize ignition and combustion of the synthesized materials using different custom techniques, including hot wire ignition, constant volume combustion, laser ignition, and others.
• Data Processing and Reporting: Perform rigorous data analysis, synthesize results, prepare technical reports for the funding agency, and generate manuscripts for peer‑reviewed publication.
• Mentorship and Collaboration: Work closely with and mentor a Ph.D. student on all aspects of the research project.
• Presentation: Prepare and deliver professional presentations at national and international conferences.

Prerequisite Qualifications

• A recently awarded Ph.D. in a relevant field, such as Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting laboratory experiments.
• Strong background in electrical, optical, and/or pressure measurement techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven record of scholarly publication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with advanced material characterization techniques, specifically Electron Microscopy (SEM/TEM) and Thermal Analysis (TGA/DSC).
• Prior experience with high‑speed video or other high‑temporal resolution imaging techniques.
• Familiarity with the handling and study of energetic or reactive materials.
• Experience mentoring or supervising graduate or undergraduate researchers.
• At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Union

United Council of Academic @ NJIT (UCAN GSRE)

Range

Post Docs Compensation: $63,480.00. NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, or other items.

FLSA

Exempt

Time Type

Full time

Pay Rate

Salary

Additional Information

As an EEO employer NJIT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching, research, and working environment and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women. Employment at NJIT is subject to the provisions of New Jersey First Act which mandates new employees, who are not NJ residents, to establish primary residence in New Jersey within one year of their appointment to certain positions. The law does not apply to any individual employed at NJIT on a temporary or per semester basis as a visiting or adjunct professor, teacher, lecturer, researcher or administrator. For more information on the act please. If special accommodations are needed in applying for a position, please visit the Department of Human Resources located in Fenster Hall, 5th Floor, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102 or call [phone]. If you have questions, please email the Human Resources Department at [e-mail]. Information regarding NJIT campus security, personal safety, and fire safety including topics such as, disciplinary procedures, crime prevention, NJIT Police law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, and crime statistics for the most recent three year period is available on the NJIT Department of Public Safety here. NJIT is an E-Verify employer and uses E-Verify to confirm work authorization of each new hire. When you work at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), you become part of a dynamic and innovative community dedicated to advancing education, research, and technological excellence. Recognized as New Jersey’s premier public polytechnic university, NJIT serves a diverse population of over 12,000 students across six colleges and schools, offering a forward-thinking academic environment in the heart of Newark, just minutes from New York City. At NJIT, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture rooted in inclusion, collaboration, and excellence. Employees are empowered to grow professionally, contribute to meaningful work, and support a mission that shapes the future of technology, education, and research. Learn more about what we offer here.