Postdoctoral Scholar (ISM)

Postdoctoral Scholar (ISM) University of Kentucky - 4.1 Lexington, KY Job Details Full-time 5 hours ago Qualifications CAD software MATLAB Heat treating Scientific publications Doctoral degree in engineering Student mentoring G-code Working with graduate students Design of manufacturing processes Engineering Electron microscopy X-ray diffraction Machine learning Doctor of Philosophy 3D printing Laboratory techniques Participating in conferences Welding Simulation systems Senior level AI Scanning electron microscope Research & development Full Job Description Posting Details Job Title Postdoctoral Scholar (ISM) Requisition Number DU10317 Department Name 8H600:

Institute for Sustainable Manufacturing Work Location Lexington, KY Salary Range commensurate with abilities and experience Type of Position Other 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 tasks associated with the development of advanced materials and manufacturing process technologies in collaboration with research partners at DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and industry, including integrated process-structure-property relationships and the implementation of modeling and experimental frameworks for additive manufacturing systems. Research activities will emphasize solid-state and fusion-based additive manufacturing (AM) processes relevant to defense and industrial applications, including Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD), Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CSAM), and Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). The position encompasses complementary efforts in modeling and simulation as well as experimental process development within an integrated experimental-computational research framework. Research will include process development, microstructural characterization, and multi-scale modeling of additive manufacturing processes, including residual stress and distortion in large-format systems. Additional responsibilities include training and 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 modeling AM microstructure evolution, phase transformations, or defect generation 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? No Preferred Education/Experience Deadline to Apply 09/30/2026 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.