Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Agency
Texas A&M University
Department
School of Engineering Medicine
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Houston, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Our Commitment
Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.
Who we are
As one of the fastest-growing academic health centers in the nation, Texas A&M Health encompasses five colleges and numerous centers and institutes working together to improve health through transformative education, innovative research and team-based health care delivery.
What we want
Join the School of Engineering Medicine as a Postdoctoral Research Associate! The Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to research in the theoretical and computational mechanics of shell structures, with a focus on extending these models to incorporate coupling with electromagnetic theory. This position is part of an interdisciplinary effort to advance the understanding and design of high-genus and morphable shell structures subjected to complex physical stimuli. The work is expected to contribute to the development of bioinspired and multifunctional materials, with applications across engineering, medicine, and materials science.
What you need to know
Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience.
Location/Schedule: This position is located with the School of Engineering Medicine in Houston, Texas. This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends and may require occasional travel for conferences or meeting.
Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.
Please note: This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.
Qualifications
Required Education
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Theoretical Physics, or a closely related field
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated experience in theoretical and computational mechanics of structures.
Strong foundation in shell theory, elasticity, and variational mechanics
Experience developing custom numerical solvers or using advanced finite element platforms (e.g., COMSOL, ABAQUS, ANSYS)
Expertise in electromagnetic theory and its coupling to continuum mechanical systems
Proficiency in the numerical analysis of coupled electromechanical systems
Strong publication record in theoretical and/or computational mechanics
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Excellent analytical and mathematical skills
Proficiency in numerical analysis using finite element method (FEM) software (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, or custom FEM codes)
Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C++, Julia).
Strong written and oral communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team
Responsibilities
Research: Develop and implement computational models (FEM) of shell structures under mechanical and electromagnetic loading. Perform theoretical analyses involving nonlinear shell mechanics to validate and interpret numerical findings.
Mentoring: Assist in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in related projects.
Presentations: Contribute to manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and proposal development.
Why Texas A&M University?
We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.
Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
12-15 days of annual paid holidays
Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more