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Position Summary 

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is hiring a Postdoctoral Associate. The primary role of the candidate Postdoctoral Associate at the Particle Flow and Tribology Lab (PFTL) involves spearheading research initiatives that explore the intricacies of particle flow and tribology. The selected candidate will be adept in operating advanced tribological equipment including pin-on-disk tribometers, bio-tribometers, 4-ball testers, and erosion test rigs, ensuring precise and reliable results. Additionally, the associate must be proficient in surface profilometry to measure and analyze surface interactions and characteristics accurately. A fundamental component of this role is expertise in data-driven deep neural networks and machine learning, with a strong understanding of physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), which will be critical for developing innovative solutions and advancing the research frontier in tribology and particle flow.

Moreover, the Postdoctoral Associate is expected to contribute to the broader academic and research community. This includes aiding the Rice PI in drafting and submitting proposals to federal agencies such as the NSF, DOE, and DoD, enhancing the lab's ability to secure funding and expand its research scope. The role also encompasses managerial responsibilities, serving as the senior lab manager and supervising undergraduate research projects. This position demands a candidate who not only has a robust publication record in relevant fields, reflective of their experience, but also one who can mentor and lead within the lab, fostering a strong, talented, and diverse mentor chain for teaching students the art of tribology learning and discovery.

Requirements

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering
• No experience required
• Skills required
  • Proficiency with advanced tribology equipment: Skilled in the use and maintenance of pin-on-disk tribometers, bio-tribometers, 4-ball testers, and erosion test rigs
  • Surface profilometry expertise: Capable of taking accurate surface measurements to analyze surface interactions and characteristics
  • Machine learning and neural networks mastery: Expertise in data-driven deep neural networks and a comprehensive understanding of physics-informed neural networks (PINNs)
  • Familiarity with research proposal development: Familiar with assisting with the preparation and submission of research proposals to federal agencies such as the NSF, DOE, and DoD.
  • Leadership and Management Skills: Ability to serve as senior lab manager and supervise undergraduate research projects.
  • Strong Publication Record: Demonstrated history of significant publications in the fields of tribology and particle flow, commensurate with years of experience.

Essential Functions

• Teach students advanced tribometry on key test rigs (e.g., pin-on-disk tribometers, bio-tribometers, 4-ball testers, and erosion test rigs, etc.)
• Teach and build a process for qualifying users on Surface Profile equipment
• Write proposals no AI/ML, tribology, and physics-informed neural networks (PINNs).
• Perform all other job duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits 

https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits 

Rice Mission and Values

Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.