Postdoctoral Scholar (ISM)

University of Kentucky; Lexington, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in the Institute for Sustainable Manufacturing, Lexington, KY. The role focuses on advancing additive manufacturing processes with partners at DEVCOM ARL and industry, emphasizing AFSD, cold spray, and LPBF.

The successful candidate will design and conduct experiments, develop analytical and numerical modeling approaches, perform microstructural characterization, and evaluate process–structure relationships in additively

Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering required.
• Strong background in additive manufacturing technologies.
• Experience with AFSD, cold spray and LPBF preferred.
• Willingness to mentor graduate students and collaborate with partners.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments to advance AM processes.
• Develop analytical and numerical modeling for process–structure relationships.
• Perform microstructural characterization (SEM/TEM/FIB/XRD) and assess residual stress.
• Analyze process outcomes and large-format distortion in AM parts.
• Mentor graduate students and disseminate results via publications and conferences.
• Collaborate with research partners and contribute to proposals.

Skills

AFSD

Cold spray

LPBF

Materials science

SEM/TEM/FIB/XRD

Thermal modeling

Thermo-mechanical

Multi-physics

CAD/CAM

MATLAB

G-Code

Friction stir

Welding

AI/ML

Collaborative research

Education

PhD in Engineering

Job description

Department Name 8H600:Institute for Sustainable Manufacturing

Work Location

Work Location Lexington, KY

Salary Range

Salary Range commensurate with abilities and experience

Type of Position

Type of Position Other

Position Time Status

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education

PhD in Engineering

Required Related Experience

see Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Required License/Registration/Certification

n/a

Physical Requirements

Some standing or walking. Sitting at computer workstation for extended periods. Repetitive motion. Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs.

Shift

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm (40 hours/week)

Job Summary

The postdoctoral researcher will assist the faculty PI and Co-PIs in advancing materials and manufacturing processes in collaboration with research partners at DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory ( ARL ) and industry. The position focuses on additive manufacturing processes, including solid-state and fusion-based methods such as Additive Friction Stir Deposition ( AFSD ), cold spray, and laser powder bed fusion ( LPBF ), with an emphasis on establishing process–structure–property relationships through integrated experimental and modeling approaches.

The successful candidate will design and conduct experiments, develop and implement analytical and numerical modeling approaches, and perform microstructural characterization to evaluate process–structure relationships in additively manufactured materials. Work will also include analysis of thermal and thermo-mechanical behavior, plastic deformation, and defect formation, as well as evaluation of process outcomes such as residual stress and distortion, particularly in large-format applications.

Additional responsibilities include mentoring graduate students, collaborating with research partners, and disseminating results through peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at national and international conferences. Candidates will also contribute to research proposal development and laboratory research activities.

Funding will be renewed yearly, contingent upon performance and funding availability. Employment may be subject to U.S. export control regulations.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Strong publication record which reflects some combination of the following:

• Hands on experience with AM technologies, particularly AFSD , cold spray, and LPBF
• Strong background in materials science, including characterization techniques such as SEM , TEM , FIB , XRD , nano-indentation, etc.
• Experience with analytical/numerical thermal, thermo-mechanical, plastic deformation, and/or multi-physics modeling of manufacturing processes
• Experience with multi-scale modeling across spatial and temporal domains, including residual stress and distortion in large-format structures
• Experience with CAD / CAM , MATLAB , G-Code
• Knowledge and/or experience with solid-state manufacturing processes, including friction stir processing and welding
• Knowledge and/or experience with subtractive manufacturing or heat treatment processes
• Familiarity with physics-informed or data-driven (AI/ML) manufacturing approaches
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in collaborative research environments

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 12/31/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.