Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description

The postdoctoral associate will help develop a nationally and internationally recognized and multidisciplinary research program focusing on additively manufactured composites characterization and modeling. This project aims to elucidate the effects of high temperature on the initiation of cracks and the accumulation of damage in discontinuous fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites (DFR-PMC). The position will also develop and maintain working relationships with key stakeholders. The anticipated project involvement is as follows:
1. The postdoctoral associate will develop a multiscale framework to simulate the additively manufactured discontinuous fiber-reinforced composite materials. Parallel numerical framework and solver needs to be developed in order to simulate the composite in different scales. The developed framework must be able to provide an accurate representation of the stress response and damage propagation in this highly heterogeneous and nonlinear material.
2. The postdoctoral associate will develop physics-based constitutive equations to simulate the response of additively manufactured composites through the multi-physics procedure of additive manufacturing of the materials as well as for high-temperature application of this short fiber-reinforced composites. Damage criteria and evolution functions need to be developed to represent the multi-physics effects and degradation of the materials.
3. The postdoctoral associate is expected to pertain to mentoring M.S. and Ph.D. students and attending lab meetings. These duties will also include the opportunity to assist with drafting and preparing research proposals. The postdoctoral associate will also be receiving guidance on best practices for preparing proposals, manuscripts, reports, and presentations. The postdoctoral associate is also expected to attend approximately one domestic technical conference per year to present the research outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• A Doctoral degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field awarded no more than four years from the initial date of the postdoctoral appointment is required.
• Significant research experience in computational mechanics, damage mechanics, fracture mechanics, and strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to develop manuscripts, and assist in preparation of grant proposals and presentations.
• The candidate must have a publication history in peer-reviewed reputable scientific journals and presentation experience at national and/or international conferences, specifically with a focus on characterization and analytical techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in working on a multi-disciplinary research project with a proven track record of publications and grant writings.
• Expertise in highly intensive computational simulations, machine learning, dynamics, and seismic simulations are highly preferred.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Review Date

November 16, 2020. This position is open until filled.

Additional Information

Applicants must apply online through jobs.vt.edu (Job posting #514459).

The successful candidate must currently reside in the United States.

The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Maryam Shakiba at mshakiba@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: October 30, 2020
Applications close: