Job no: 506787
Position type: Staff Full Time
Benefit Status: Benefited-Union
Campus: UMass Lowell
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Salary: Salary commensurate with experience and grant
Applications Open: Dec 08 2020
Applications Close: Open until filled

General Summary of Position:

The Multiscale Thermal Sciences Lab (MTSL) at University Massachusetts Lowell is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to assist in studies related to the thermal management of batteries and textiles. Experience with experimental and numerical study (e.g. CFD) of thermofluids system, thermal radiation analysis and measurement are required qualifications. Hands-on experience in textile manufacturing is a plus. Excellent written communication skills are required, and will be judged based on prior publication record. Experience with proposal and paper writing is a must.

The principal role of the Postdoctoral Research Associate is to work on research projects alongside lab faculty and graduate students. A critical feature of the role of the position will also be (a) to develop and write research proposals and form collaborations to support future research, (b) to perform major research functions on existing projects, and (c) to teach one course per semester.

Essential Job Duties:

1. Research:

• Conduct research alongside and under the supervision of the lab faculty

This role will specifically involve:

• Development of computational models for predicting temperature distribution in a battery pack with a hybrid cooling system and design and build a testbed for the battery pack cooling
• Characterization of thermal radiation properties of textiles
• Other ongoing projects related to microfluidics and acoustic wave biosensors
• Weekly update meetings and frequent progress reporting
• This role may involve generating new ideas for future research

2. Publishing

• Successful candidates will publish at least two articles per year in peer-reviewed scientific journals based on the research conducted as first author, along with participation in other papers in a secondary roll
• Papers and presentations in scientific conferences will also be required

3. Proposals

• The successful candidate will be expected to initiate and assist in the formulation and writing of externally funded research proposals. This effort will include finding appropriate opportunities, finding collaborative partners, generating preliminary data, and proposal writing.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

Education:

• An earned PhD in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field at the time of appointment

Experience:

• Numerical modelling of thermofluids systems, thermal radiation characterization, and textile manufacturing
• Proposal writing
• Industry collaboration
• Supervision of the work of others

Skills:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work as a team player
• Quantitative research methods

Additional Considerations:

• A record of publication
• Experience with collaborative interdisciplinary research
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of the subject discipline
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and writing
• Skill in analyzing and evaluating data
• The department is dynamic environment and the position of Post-Doctoral Research Associate will involve working to meet strict deadlines

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Only current UML Employees within the Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; however, the posting may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

This position is contingent upon funding. The initial appointment will be for up to one year with a possibility of renewal based on productivity and performance and the availability of funding.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.