Postdoctoral Scholar (ISM)

Job Title
Postdoctoral Scholar (ISM)

Requisition Number
DU10317

Department Name
8H600:Institute for Sustainable Manufacturing

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Salary Range
commensurate with abilities and experience

Type of Position
Other

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

PhD in Engineering

Required Related Experience

see Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Required License/Registration/Certification

n/a

Physical Requirements

Some standing or walking. Sitting at computer workstation for extended periods. Repetitive motion. Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs.

Shift

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm (40 hours/week)

Job Summary

The postdoctoral researcher will assist the faculty PI and Co-PIs in tasks associated with the development of advanced materials and manufacturing process technologies in collaboration with research partners at DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and industry, including integrated process–structure–property relationships and the implementation of modeling and experimental frameworks for additive manufacturing systems. Research activities will emphasize solid-state and fusion-based additive manufacturing (AM) processes relevant to defense and industrial applications, including Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD), Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CSAM), and Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF).

The position encompasses complementary efforts in modeling and simulation as well as experimental process development within an integrated experimental–computational research framework. Research will include process development, microstructural characterization, and multi-scale modeling of additive manufacturing processes, including residual stress and distortion in large-format systems.

Additional responsibilities include training and mentoring graduate students, collaborating with research partners, and disseminating results through peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at national and international conferences. Candidates will also contribute to research proposal development and laboratory research activities.

Funding will be renewed yearly, contingent upon performance and funding availability.
Employment may be subject to U.S. export control regulations.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Strong publication record which reflects some combination of the following:

• Hands on experience with AM technologies, particularly AFSD, cold spray, and LPBF
• Strong background in materials science, including characterization techniques such as SEM, TEM, FIB, XRD, nano-indentation, etc.
• Experience with analytical/numerical thermal, thermo-mechanical, plastic deformation, and/or multi-physics modeling of manufacturing processes
• Experience modeling AM microstructure evolution, phase transformations, or defect generation
• Experience with multi-scale modeling across spatial and temporal domains, including residual stress and distortion in large-format structures
• Experience with CAD/CAM, MATLAB, G-Code
• Knowledge and/or experience with solid-state manufacturing processes, including friction stir processing and welding
• Knowledge and/or experience with subtractive manufacturing or heat treatment processes
• Familiarity with physics-informed or data-driven (AI/ML) manufacturing approaches
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in collaborative research environments

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply
09/30/2026

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Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.