School of Engineering -- 448000000 Mechanical & Materials Engineering -- Postdoctoral Fellow - Dr. Kathy Lu

University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Engineering seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow in Mechanical & Materials Engineering to conduct leading-edge research on ceramics and polymer-derived harsh environment materials. Tasks include developing research plans, implementing studies, and preparing reports and manuscripts.

The fellow will perform modeling, simulations, and machine learning, plus material testing and collaboration with students and researchers.

Qualifications

• Research focus on ceramics and polymer-derived harsh environment materials.
• Modeling, simulations, and machine learning in material science.
• Involvement in preparation of project reports and journal manuscripts.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed research plans and implement research tasks.
• Prepare project reports and journal manuscripts.
• Synthesize high-temperature and extreme-condition materials; polymer-derived ceramics.
• Conduct property testing and characterization of materials (composition, phase, microstructure).
• Collaborate with researchers on and off campus; coordinate activities with project members.
• Help develop grant proposals and deliver educational programs.

Skills

Ceramics

Polymer-derived materials

Modeling

Simulations

Machine learning

Education

PhD

Job description

School of Engineering -- 448000000 Mechanical & Materials Engineering -- Postdoctoral Fellow - Dr. Kathy Lu

Position Information

Job Title

Job Title School of Engineering -- 448000000 Mechanical & Materials Engineering -- Postdoctoral Fellow - Dr. Kathy Lu

Department Name

Department Name 448000000 Mechanical & Materials Engineering

School/College

School/College School of Engineering

Job Description

The postdoc will carry out highly exciting and leading-edge research related to federally sponsored projects and other related activities, with an emphasis on ceramics and polymer-derived harsh environment materials. People with some polymer backgrounds are highly desired but those with only a polymer background will not be considered. The specific tasks involve the development of detailed research plans, implementation of the research tasks, and preparing project reports and journal manuscripts. The research involves the synthesis of different high-temperature and other extreme-condition materials, polymer-derived ceramics, modeling, simulations, and machine learning. They will also carry out property testing and characterization of different materials related to composition, phase, and microstructure, study the interactions and fundamental mechanisms of material behaviors in harsh environments, and develop theoretical understanding of the proposed research. The postdocs will be involved in research event planning, collaboration with researchers on and off campus, working with university personnel on lab-related issues, and assisting the research of undergraduate and graduate students. The postdocs will also help to develop grant proposals, deliver educational programs, and coordinate activities involving a number of project members.

Required Qualifications

PhD

Posting Number

PF1077P

Open Date

08/28/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled No

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix .

Special Instructions for the Position

A pre-employment background check investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.

About University of Alabama at Birmingham

Supplemental Questions

• * Did you complete postdoctoral training at another institution? Please provide name of institution and duration of tenure (e.g., month/year-month/year) (Open Ended Question)
• * Did you complete postdoctoral training at UAB in Birmingham? Please provide duration of tenure (e.g., month/year-month/year) (Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Graduate Transcripts (Unofficial Only)

Optional Documents

• Transcripts (Unofficial Only)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

1720 2nd Ave South
Birmingham, AL 35294
Main Switchboard: [phone]
Hearing Impaired/TDD: [phone]

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix .