Post-Doctoral Associate

Job description:

• Conduct research into the biomechanics of dental restorations. (40%)
• Publish research results in high-impact-factor journals. (30%)
• Contribute to grant writing and other efforts to secure research funding. (30%)

This is a postdoctoral position within a world-renowned research center for dental biomaterials and biomechanics equipped with state-of-the-art material testing and characterization facilities. Work will be conducted in a multi-disciplinary research laboratory with the aim of fundamentally understanding the biomechanics of dental restorations through experimental and numerical work.

The researcher is expected to work independently with the following duties:

• Measure the mechanical and structural properties of dental materials and restorations using traditional and state-of-the-art techniques such as tensile and flexural tests, cyclic fatigue and nano-indentation.
• Develop, calibrate and validate numerical models for the mechanical responses of dental restorations under clinically relevant loadings.
• Oversee and track research progress. Periodically evaluate the research data and results for compliance with grant requirements and study aims.
• Work on other projects including both federally and industrially funded projects.
• Help supervisor and research team evaluate research methods and suggest alternatives, report progress, and discuss and plan new procedures, to aid in the investigation of broad research.
• Perform data analyses, and present summary to supervisor as requested. Assist authoring of research presentations, write and publish peer-reviewed journal articles, and contribute to grant writing and submission.
• Train new researchers in the roles of experimenter and assistant.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or related fields.
• Substantial experience in structural analysis using damage and fracture mechanics.
• Substantial experience in finite element modeling of mechanical components or structures.
• At least 3 journal publications as first author.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research experience in dental biomechanics.
• Experience in writing grant applications.

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is the state's only dental school and the only dental school in the northern tier of states between Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest. The School of Dentistry advances health through scientific discovery, innovative education, and the highest quality care for all communities. Our impact extends beyond dental offices to classrooms and clinics throughout the region. We educate dentists, dental specialists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental educators, and research scientists.

Pay Range: $61,008 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.