The Multiscale Materials and Manufacturing Laboratory in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC) in the United States is currently seeking talented candidates for Postdoctoral Associate with a start date as early as Jan 1, 2025, to contribute to advanced research programs. Graduate research assistant positions are also open for a start date of 2025 summer/fall.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Incorporate knowledge of additive manufacturing and materials science to build high performance metal alloys and 3D architectures

• Analyze the processing-microstructure-property relationships in additively manufactured materials produced by laser 3D printing and direct ink writing

 • Contribute to active projects in applications in materials engineering, aerospace, and energy.

This candidate is expected to have extensive experience in developing and publishing novel academic research, utilizing experimental and analytical techniques to develop new principles and methodologies that solve practical problems and explore the applications for additive manufacturing technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•PhD in Materials Science, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.

•Strong skills of materials characterization techniques including EBSD and TEM.

•Familiar with alloy design, additive manufacturing, physical metallurgy, mechanical metallurgy, and solid mechanics.

•Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

•Record of peer-reviewed publications.

ABOUT THE LAB:

The Multiscale Materials and Manufacturing Laboratory at USC Viterbi School of Engineering is focused on advanced manufacturing of structural and functional materials. Structural metal alloys that we study include high-strength steels, high-entropy alloys, superalloys, metallic glasses, and 3D architected materials. Our lab houses a wide range of additive manufacturing facilities including direct ink writing, laser powder-bed fusion, and laser-directed energy deposition. We have a multidisciplinary team working on alloy design, mechanical behavior of additively manufactured materials, and state-of-the-art in situ characterization (e.g., synchrotron X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction).

HOW TO APPLY:

If you are interested in applying for the position, please send a CV along with the contact information of three professional references to Dr. Wen Chen (wchen001@usc.edu or wenchen@umass.edu; Lab website: http://blogs.umass.edu/wenchen/). Please note that Prof. Wen Chen’s research group will be moving from the University of Massachusetts Amherst to USC, effective as of Jan 1, 2025. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the mission of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Viterbi expects staff to facilitate a culture of support and service, model civility and respectful engagement at all times, maintain the highest ethical standards, and maintain strict confidentiality across all facets of their work.

Additional Information:

This is an on-site position at USC's University Park Campus in Los Angeles, California. The Postdoctoral Associate will be expected to work 5 days on-site and this position is not eligible for fully remote work.

The annual base salary range for this postdoc position is $65,400- $69,080 (estimated). When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.”