Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Mech. and Electrical Engineering

Merrimack College; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Merrimack College’s DRAMa Lab invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to study the dynamic response of advanced materials, including energetic materials and additively manufactured structures. You will work with Professor Jamie Kimberley and a multidisciplinary team to model material behavior and publish findings in journals and at conferences.

The ideal candidate has a PhD in a relevant field, strong experimental mechanics experience, and the ability to work independently as

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field completed or near completion.
• Strong background in experimental mechanics and dynamic testing.
• Proven ability to publish in high-impact journals.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Execute research tasks in collaboration with Dr. Kimberley.
• Publish findings in journals and present at conferences.
• Develop expertise in grant writing.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the group.

Skills

Experimental mechanics

Dynamic testing

Independent research

Verbal/written communication

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Position Overview

The Dynamic Response of Advanced Materials Laboratory (DRAMa Lab) in the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Merrimack College is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to cutting-edge research on the dynamic response of advanced materials. The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Jamie Kimberley alongside a multidisciplinary team of researchers to investigate and model the behavior of advanced materials such as energetic materials, additively manufactured materials/structures, and novel lightweight metals. The position will also provide opportunities to explore other research areas of interest to the candidate.

Primary Responsibilities

• Execute research tasks defined in collaboration with Dr. Kimberley.
• Disseminate research findings through publications and conference presentations.
• Develop expertise in grant writing.
• Provide mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students in the research group.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or related discipline. Graduate students near completion of their PhD program are also welcome to apply.
• Successful candidates will have a strong background in experimental mechanics. Experience with dynamic testing techniques (e.g., impact testing, high-strain-rate experiments) is preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish in high-impact journals.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and in a collaborative research environment.
• Strong verbal/written communication skills are essential.
• Occasional travel is required.

Application Deadline: 05/30/2026

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Work Location

This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack's Catholic and Augustinian mission. All candidates should describe in their application how they will foster a culture that supports our mission.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,100 undergraduate, 2,500 graduate students and 50 doctoral students from 48 states and 63 countries. The College features more than 160 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has six schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy, the Girard school of business and the graduate school of counseling and social work. The College's suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master's Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report's ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 38th in the Regional Universities North category in 2026. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.