Postdoctoral Scholar: Additive Manufacturing & Materials

University of Kentucky; Kentucky; On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

University of Kentucky seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar (ISM) to advance materials and manufacturing processes. The role collaborates with DEVCOM ARL and industry to study AFSD, cold spray and LPBF, establishing process–structure–property links through experiments and modeling.

The candidate will design experiments, perform microstructure characterization, and develop thermal and thermo-mechanical models. Mentoring, publications, and proposals are part of the duties.

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering with strong publication record.
• Experience with AM technologies: AFSD, cold spray and LPBF.
• Background in materials science and characterization (SEM, TEM, FIB, XRD, nano-indentation).
• Experience with analytical/numerical thermal and thermo-mechanical modeling.
• Experience with multi-scale modeling including residual stress and distortion.
• Proficient in CAD/CAM, MATLAB and G-Code.
• Knowledge of solid-state manufacturing, friction stir processing and welding.
• Ability to work in collaborative research environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments to advance materials and manufacturing processes.
• Develop analytical and numerical modeling approaches for process–structure relationships.
• Perform microstructural characterization and evaluate residual stresses and defects.
• Analyze thermal and thermo-mechanical behavior and distortion in large-format builds.
• Mentor graduate students and collaborate with industry and ARL partners.
• Disseminate results via journal publications and conferences; contribute to proposals.

Skills

AFSD

Cold spray

LPBF

Materials science

SEM

TEM

FIB

XRD

Nano-indentation

CAD / CAM

MATLAB

G-Code

Friction stir processing

Welding

Subtract ive manufacturing

Heat treatment

AI / ML

Collaborative research

Education

PhD in Engineering

Job description

University of Kentucky seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar (ISM) to advance materials and manufacturing processes. The role collaborates with DEVCOM ARL and industry to study AFSD, cold spray and LPBF, establishing process–structure–property links through experiments and modeling.

The candidate will design experiments, perform microstructure characterization, and develop thermal and thermo-mechanical models. Mentoring, publications, and proposals are part of the duties.