Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 82,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Merrimack College's DRAMa Lab in the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to advance dynamic response of advanced materials, including energetic materials and additively manufactured structures. The position is on-campus in North Andover, MA, near Boston.

The successful candidate will conduct independent research, publish findings, present at conferences, and contribute to grant writing while mentoring graduate and

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with dynamic testing techniques is preferred.
• Proven ability to publish in high-impact journals.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

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.

Skills

Experimental mechanics

Independent research

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Merrimack College is a selective, private college in a beautiful,residential setting — just minutes from Boston,Massachusetts.

Position Overview

The Dynamic Response of Advanced Materials Laboratory (DRAMa Lab)in the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering atMerrimack College is seeking a highly motivated and talentedPostdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to cutting-edge researchon the dynamic response of advanced materials. The successfulcandidate will work closely with Professor Jamie Kimberleyalongside a multidisciplinary team of researchers to investigateand model the behavior of advanced materials such as energeticmaterials, additively manufactured materials/structures, and novellightweight metals. The position will also provide opportunities toexplore other research areas of interest to the candidate.

Primary Responsibilities:

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

Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science& Engineering, or related discipline. Graduate students nearcompletion of their PhD program are also welcome to apply.
• Successful candidates will have a strong background inexperimental 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 andpublish in high-impact journals.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to workindependently and in a collaborative research environment.
• Strong verbal/written communication skills are essential.
• Occasional travel is required.

Application Materials Should Include:

• Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position,citing experience relevant to the qualifications and includingexperience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinianmission, and our values.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae including a list ofpublications.
• Names and contact information for three (3) professionalreferences.

Application Deadline: 05/30/2026

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

Work Location

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

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is aCatholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed tobuilding an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is toenlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired byour Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truththrough inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and cancontribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission. Allcandidates should describe in their application how they willfoster a culture that supports our mission.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinianinstitution of higher education in New England, Merrimack Collegeis a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than4,100 undergraduate, 2,500 graduate students and 50 doctoralstudents from 48 states and 63 countries. The College features morethan 160 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduateprograms, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionateabout their subject and student success. The College has sixschools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences,nursing and health sciences, education and social policy, theGirard school of business and the graduate school of counseling andsocial work. The College’s suburban 220-acre campus is just northof Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’sColleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in theCarnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions inthe country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News &World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 38th in theRegional Universities North category in 2026. Merrimack is a NCAADivision I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary Range:

Salary Range: $81,700 - $86,700