Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Position Number 977343 Department Engineering Salary $65,000 Job Summary/Description

The Material Assessment and Qualification (MatAQ) research group in the David L. Hirschfeld Department of Engineering at Angelo State University (ASU) is led by Dr. Mohammad Shafinul Haque, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate. This is a full-time position supported by a Department of Energy (DOE)-funded collaboration project between ASU and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab).

The research project will develop a reliable framework to accelerate the development of novel high-power particle-production target material for advanced particle accelerator applications. A reverse modeling strategy will be used to design an optimum test matrix. This framework will enable modeling and predicting ion-irradiated mechanical properties using reduced test data, thereby accelerating the development of novel High-Entropy Alloys (HEA) materials. Our research project will include nanoindentation testing of ion-irradiated HEAs and material characterization, generating new data for design consideration. Irradiated mechanical property prediction models and property correlation metamodels will be developed considering traditional and machine learning approaches. Extrapolation will be performed using a data superposition approach to predict HEA material responses at high beam power conditions, and the results will be validated against new test data. The combined optimum testing matrix and robust modeling techniques will be used to downselect suitable HEA compositions that are resistant to beam-induced radiation and thermal shock damage. The selection of a suitable HEA for particle production targets will ensure reliable operation and improved lifetime for advanced multi-MW accelerator target facilities, such as the 2.4 megawatt Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility and proposed 10 tera-electron-volt muon collider.

This position is funded by a grant. Continued employment beyond the period of grant funding cannot be guaranteed.

Typical Duties/Job Duties

65% - Conduct research related to the DOE-funded project, including experimental design, data collection, analysis, and documentation.

20% - Communicate research findings to the broader community through writing and submitting papers to peer-reviewed journals, giving presentations at universities and national laboratories, and presenting at professional conferences.

15% - Participate in regular meetings with the PI, including lab and one-on-one meetings. Supervise two undergraduate students involved in the research project and perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with materials testing (tensile, hardness, nanoindentation, metallography) and microstructural characterization techniques (SEM, EBSD, OM)
• Experience with metallographic specimen preparation
• Knowledge of mechanical properties of materials: Hardness, Elastic modulus, Ductility, Yield strength, and strain
• A proven track record of conducting independent scientific research with Creative and independent problem-solving skills
• Programming experience in Python and/or C++
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills
• Has experience working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills as demonstrated by presentations at conferences and a record of publication(s) in peer-reviewed journals.

Minimum Qualifications

A Ph.D. (or will have one at the time of appointment) in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Physics, or a related field. Ph.D. candidates nearing completion are also encouraged to apply. Backgrounds in experimental, theoretical, and/or computational research; candidates from all areas will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications Physical Requirements EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Angelo State University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to employment opportunities for qualified individuals with disabilities. We are committed to ensuring that a qualified individual with a disability has the same rights and privileges in employment as non-disabled employees. If an accommodation is requested for the job application process, please contact our office at ... or email us at ....

Remote No

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number S1010P Open Date 07/09/2025 Close Date Desired Start Date 01/05/2026 Review Start Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach the following items with your application

• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of selected publications and oral presentations
• A statement of research interests
• A brief Statement on modeling, simulation, and/or programming experience (no more than one page) - this may include a list of relevant experience and any related publications.
• Three Letters of Reference - to be submitted directly by the referees

Required Number of References