Postdoctoral Researcher - Advanced Carbon Materials and Metal Composite Processing

Ohio

Athens (OH)

On-site

USD 50,000 - 65,000

Full time

44 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

medical

vision

dental

basic and supplemental life

winter break closure

paid holidays

educational benefits for you and elig

sick leave

vacation

retirement

Job summary

Ohio University’s Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment (ISEE) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position supporting two advanced materials projects: carbon-metal composites and carbon foam. You will lead fabrication, characterize materials, and collaborate with industry partners to translate research into scalable technologies.

The role emphasizes independent research, mentorship of students, and dissemination of findings through reports and publications.

Qualifications

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a related field.
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; significant independence of action is required.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, processing, and fabrication of advanced carbon-based materials, including carbon-metal composites and carbon foam from ore.
Characterize materials to assess microstructure and properties, guiding process optimization.
Prepare technical reports and manuscripts, and contribute to grant proposals.
Mentor students and coordinate with collaborators to advance project objectives.

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a related field

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher - Advanced Carbon Materials and Metal Composite Processing

Posting Details

Applications will be accepted until midnight (Eastern Time Zone) on the ‘Posting End Date’ shown below.

Position Information Business Title Postdoctoral Researcher - Advanced Carbon Materials and Metal Composite Processing Applications Accepted From Public: Open to the Public

This position is eligible for the following benefits: medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement.

medical
vision
dental
basic and supplemental life
winter break closure
paid holidays
educational benefits for you and eligible dependents
sick leave
vacation
retirement

Posting Number 2016566T

Job Description Summary

The Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment (ISEE) at Ohio University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position supporting two advanced materials research projects: the development of carbon-metal composites and the production of carbon foam from carbon ore. The selected candidate will contribute to multidisciplinary research involving materials design, processing, manufacturing, and characterization for energy, transportation, and structural applications. Responsibilities include developing and optimizing fabrication methods, evaluating material performance, and working closely with students, faculty, and industry partners. This position provides an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in translating fundamental materials research into scalable, application-driven technologies. The position will have the following responsibilities:

Advanced Materials Processing and Fabrication: Lead the development, processing, and fabrication of advanced carbon-based materials, with emphasis on both carbon-metal composites and carbon foam produced from carbon ore. Responsibilities include formulation design, process development, execution of solid-phase thermomechanical processing and extrusion trials of carbon foam. The role will also involve optimizing process parameters to improve material quality, structural integrity, and functional performance, while coordinating with internal and external collaborators for material supply, process scale-up, and equipment access. Strict adherence to laboratory safety procedures, especially for high-temperature processing, powders, and nanostructured carbon materials, is essential.
Materials Characterization and Performance Evaluation: Conduct comprehensive characterization of processed materials to assess microstructure, physical properties, and performance, and to guide process optimization across both research projects. This includes: (1) using optical microscopy, SEM , CT scanning, and related techniques to evaluate morphology, porosity, interfaces, and carbon distribution; (2) measuring electrical, thermal, and physical properties using appropriate laboratory and ASTM -based methods; (3) conducting mechanical testing to determine properties such as strength, stiffness, and durability as applicable to the material system; and (4) analyzing structure-property relationships to support iterative refinement of formulations and processing conditions.
Research Reporting and Scholarly Dissemination: Prepare technical reports, manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and project updates for research sponsors and collaborators. Contribute to proposal development, documentation of research progress, and communication of findings to support future funding, technology development, and broader dissemination of outcomes related to advanced carbon materials and manufacturing.
Laboratory Coordination, Mentoring, and Collaboration: Support day-to-day research operations associated with both projects, including mentoring graduate and undergraduate student researchers, maintaining laboratory organization and equipment readiness, assisting with experimental planning, and managing research supplies. Collaborate with faculty, staff, and industry partners to advance project objectives and maintain strong project execution across multiple technical areas.

Position Profile

Working under the guidance of a faculty member or principal investigator, conducts advanced, independent and collaborative research, contributes to research design, execution, analysis, and publication, and builds specialized expertise in field of study. Serves as a leader on research projects and mentors students. Presents at conferences and seminars, prepares manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications, and contributes to grant proposals as required.

Level Summary

Provides professional expertise to the University community. Serves as a resource and guide to others in the department and/or university. Works on both strategic and operational challenges, addressing problems that require advanced knowledge and experience. Often takes on leadership roles in projects or initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None; may assist with training student employees.

Fiscal Responsibilities

No budgetary responsibility. May be responsible for validating transactions.

Problem Solving

Handles a variety of problems with some independence. Requirements and inquiries may be technical or managerial.

Independence of Action

Works under close supervision.

Communication and Collaboration

Collaborates with peers and follows guidance from supervisor. Shares knowledge with team members.

Physical Requirements

This role is primarily desk-based and involves extensive use of desktop computers. Occasionally, the job may require travel to attend meetings and programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Significant independence of action is required to promptly respond to research sponsor requirements or inquiries.

Department

Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment

Pay Rate

Targeted starting salary range: $50,000 – $65,000, commensurate with experience and credentials.

Pay Grade

RES 01

Pay Range

$43,888.00+

FLSA Status

Exempt

Job Category

Research Special at-will appointment

Employment Type

full-time term

Job Family

Research Administration

Job Sub Family

Postdoc

Job Level

POSTDOC

Job Open Date

10/30/2026

Posting End Date

11/29/2026

Planning Unit

Russ College of Engineering & Technology

Work Schedule

M-F, 8-5, Nights and weekends as required. Months 12 month Campus Athens, Ohio Expected hours worked per week 40 Expected duration of assignment 12 months with opportunity to renew based upon satisfactory performance and continued funding

Contact Information

Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position. Dr. Yahya Al-Majali, almajali@ohio.edu

Non-Discrimination Statement

Ohio university is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio university is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents