Description
Researcher - Mechanical Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering

Regular, Full-time, Market Range 13

Researcher 4 in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering

Regular Position Available Immediately and Open until Filled

The position requires a PhD with experience to support and lead projects requiring advanced composites manufacturing, tooling, process & product development, testing/characterization. Understanding and work experience with long fiber extrusion-compression molding, additive manufacturing, hybrid manufacturing, glass, carbon and natural fiber thermoset/thermoplastic material forms. Knowledge of complex tooling-materials-processing, design and modeling and ability to take concept to prototypes to products with commercial focus. Strong experience interfacing with industry.

Work closely with private industry partner projects. Also, support federal projects such as with DOE, IACMI, NSF and related agencies as directed by supervisor Dr. Uday Vaidya. While the candidate is not a PI, the different project works require high degrees of holistic thinking. For example, one of the many projects is for design and development of advanced composite bicycle components. The candidate in this case requires deep knowledge in advanced materials thermosets and thermoplastics, types and range of fiber types, interface compatibility, processing science and optimization – for e.g. extrusion-compression of long fibers, injection molding, additive versus machined tools (molds), process-structure-performance relationships, characterization and testing and product validation. This includes knowledge across materials science, mechanical behavior, mechanical and structure design, process methodologies and optimization, product validation and performance assessment.  This is a typical case for almost all projects this position will require. Some more examples include – (a) Pitch based carbon fiber processing and composites development for automotive applications; (b) Deep draw assessment of hybrid and multi-scale composites for light weighting applications; (c) Vacuum infusion processing and process optimization & modeling for wind hydrofoil composite blades; (d) composite inserts tooling development and design for pre-case concrete walls. These are diverse range of problems and require a holistic knowledge that comes with years of experience.

The candidate will operate independently with minimal guidance and oversight, from the supervisor generally confined by the research agenda. The candidate will interact with Dr. Vaidya and other faculty PIs, collaborate with ORNL Manufacturing Demonstration Facility in Additive and Hybrid Manufacturing and Building Technologies projects. He/she will engage undergraduate and graduate students in the role of a mentor and continue to advance their knowledge in advanced materials and manufacturing.  The candidate will interface with customers, sponsors, and visitors to promote, execute and generate continued work for the facility.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:

Required: PhD with at least 4 years’ experience as part of the mentioned knowledge, skills and ability. Experience in composite tooling for compression and extrusion-compression molding; skills in processing of composite panels and parts using the processes mentioned.  Must have participated in at least 4-5 industry projects as part of their PhD or before/during/after.

Candidates must attach the following documents to their online application: (1) an introductory letter, (2) a Curriculum Vitae, (3) a short statement of professional interests and goals, and (4) the contact information for three references

Job: Research Professional
Primary Location: US-Tennessee-knoxville
Organization: Mech Aero&biomed Engineering
Schedule: Full-time
Job Posting: Jul 12, 2021, 4:19:14 PM