Research Specialist II

Overview

This position is budgeted for $29.53 per hour and is non-negotiable.

This position focuses on data-driven, interactive particle systems within the Department of Aerospace Engineering at San Diego State University (SDSU), as part of a funded research project overseen by Professors Gustaaf Jacobs and Qi Wang. SDSU's Department of Aerospace Engineering is renowned for its nationally and internationally recognized research initiatives in various fields, including aerodynamics, computational and experimental fluid mechanics, propulsion, aerospace structures, aeroelasticity, non-destructive evaluation, guidance and control, and astrodynamics.

The College of Engineering, where the department is housed, is the fastest-growing college at SDSU and plays a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge research and innovation. SDSU is located in San Diego, a city celebrated for its year-round mild climate, vibrant culture, and family-friendly atmosphere. As a major metropolitan area, San Diego serves as a hub for numerous leading industries, particularly in defense and aerospace sectors, with many prominent aerospace companies and defense contractors based in the region.

Southern California, with its thriving aerospace industry, offers exceptional opportunities for collaboration and partnerships in research and development. SDSU’s location provides an ideal setting for pursuing groundbreaking work within the aerospace field. For more information about the department and the university, please visit http://aerospace.sdsu.edu and http://www.sdsu.edu.

Responsibilities

Weekly Meetings 5%

• Regularly attend team meetings to discuss project progress, challenges, and next steps.
• Collaborate with team members to align on project goals, methodologies, and timelines.
• Provide updates on individual tasks and contribute to problem-solving discussions.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions to explore new ideas or approaches.

Write Reports and Papers 25%

• Prepare detailed project reports outlining methodologies, results, and conclusions.
• Write technical papers for publication in scientific journals or conferences.
• Ensure reports and papers are clear, concise, and follow the appropriate formatting and citation standards.
• Summarize complex data and analysis in an understandable manner for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Give Presentations in Seminars and Conferences 5%

• Prepare and deliver presentations on project findings to internal teams, stakeholders, and at external conferences.
• Tailor presentations to the audience, ensuring clarity and engagement.
• Respond to questions and feedback from seminar and conference participants.
• Stay current on the latest trends and findings in the field to incorporate into presentations.

Mathematical Modeling 40%

• Develop mathematical models to describe complex systems or phenomena.
• Apply mathematical techniques (e.g., differential equations, optimization) to model real-world problems.
• Validate models through comparison with experimental or observed data.
• Modify and refine models based on feedback and new data.

Writing Simulation Codes 20%

• Design and implement simulation codes to test and solve mathematical models.
• Use programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C for simulation tasks.
• Ensure the accuracy and efficiency of the simulation code.
• Debug, optimize, and improve existing code to handle larger datasets or more complex simulations.

Other Duties as Assigned 5%

Qualifications

Knowledge & Abilities

• Strong knowledge in applied mathematics, PDE systems such as fluid dynamics and particle systems, and convergence analysis.
• Proficiency in HPC coding and optimization methods.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative research environment.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Equivalent to graduation from a four year university.
• Two years of experience in technical research or statistical work experience.

Preferred Experience & Special Skills

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific computing and numerical simulations.
• Experience with large-scale HPC systems and parallel programming.
• Familiarity with machine learning methods for physics-based systems.
• Prior publications in applied math or related areas.

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.  

Salary : $30