Post-Doctoral Associate - Mechanical Engineering FY25

The Department of Mechanical Engineering receives and evaluates applications on a continuous basis from applicants for research positions on an as needed basis by the Search Committee in conjunction with various Principal Investigators in the Department who have a demonstrated need. Appointments are temporary in nature and can be part-time or full-time depending on the research contract funding and terms. Renewals are contingent on satisfactory performance, the availability of funds and/or work for the position, and meeting standard University employment requirements of the individual in position. Salary is set by the individual faculty member choosing to hire a candidate but is within University guidelines. The percentage of time and duration of appointment will determine benefits. Duration of appointment, position title, and salary vary according to funding and qualifications of the candidate.

The post-doctoral associate employee conducts research or service that provides further development of career skills or allows them opportunities to learn new research techniques. The post-doctoral associate is trained by and works in conjunction with their faculty mentor who determines the training agenda.

Duties/responsibilities (breakdown of percentages required by OHR):

• performing high level experimental, theoretical, and numerical research and data analysis (60%)
• presentation publication, and proposal preparation (20%)
• mentoring PhD and MSME students (10%)
• laboratory organization and management (10%)

Duties/responsibilities:

• In this position you will be expected to perform high level experimental, theoretical, and/or numerical research.
• In this context, you might be expected to generate new research ideas and lead development of new research proposals.
• In this position, you will collaborate with a highly interdisciplinary team within the University of Minnesota and partner universities.
• You will be expected to author, co-author, and otherwise collaborate on preparing publications for peer review describing research results, assisting with the preparation of progress reports as required by funding agencies, preparation of presentations for conferences, attendance at grant review meetings, and assisting with proposal preparation. You will also be expected to participate in preparation and presentation of data to study investigators.
• As a post-doctoral associate, you will be encouraged to serve as a leader on your research team by mentoring graduate students, undergraduate students, and/or lab technician research team members. This may include advice on technical questions, data analysis, discussions on the development of research plans, preparation of manuscripts and reports, participating in the application / execution of established techniques to other projects, and helping them to develop and pursue their own independent research as a co-author.
• You might be acting lead on research projects and expected to effectively coordinate research activities within the project team, communicate project needs, and provide regular updates on project progress to the lab group and Principle Investigator.
• You will have joint responsibility for the organization and management of laboratories under the faculty mentor's supervision ensuring all lab members follow all safety protocols, properly recording data from experimental and numerical research and promptly backing up all data.
• While in this position you might also have the opportunity to teach courses offered in our department. These duties would be to prepare and deliver lectures, prepare homework assignments, quizzes and exams, hold office hours, assess student work, supervise the teaching assistants and manage the administration of the course

Required qualifications:

• Earned Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Additional required qualifications are determined by the Principal Investigator/faculty supervisor.

*Any preferred qualifications are determined by the Principal Investigator/faculty supervisor.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota performs research and provides high-quality graduate and undergraduate education in a wide range of mechanical engineering areas, including energy, bio-medical devices, environmental engineering, transportation, design, controls and sensors, thermal sciences, and nanomanufacturing. It is part of the University of Minnesota's College of Science and Engineering, the highly interdisciplinary college of engineering, physical sciences, and mathematics. Mechanical Engineering is ranked among the top ME departments in the country. Each year, the department grants about 200 BS, 50 MS and 20 PhD degrees. Being part of the University of Minnesota, the department is committed to serving all constituencies of this major land-grant university through its teaching, research and professional services.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

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.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. The Department maintains a file of applicants for these temporary positions for the year and all applicants are reviewed when such openings occur. Applications should be submitted each year during the period July 1 through June 30. They will be reviewed by a Search Committee according to the specifications associated with the particular research project, and recommendations made to individual faculty members (Principal Investigator) seeking applicants. Applicants, if appropriate for the need, will then be contacted. Others will be kept on file and reviewed, as positions become available during the fiscal year. If you wish to be a part of this applicant pool, please submit a cover letter, resume/curriculum vitae, proof of highest degree, statement of research, and complete contact information of three references with this online application.

This position will remain open until June 30, 2025.

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).