Postdoctoral Research Associate (Computational Mechanics)

Location: Houston, Texas, United States; occasional travel for conferences or meetings may be required.

Company

Texas A&M University is an academic health and research institution with colleges, centers, and institutes focused on education, research, and team-based healthcare.

What you will do

• Develop and implement finite-element computational models of shell structures under mechanical and electromagnetic loading.
• Perform theoretical analyses involving nonlinear shell mechanics to validate and interpret numerical results.
• Extend shell-structure models to incorporate coupling with electromagnetic theory and complex physical stimuli.
• Contribute to research on high-genus and morphable shell structures, bioinspired materials, and multifunctional materials.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students on related projects.
• Prepare manuscripts, present findings at conferences, and support proposal development.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Theoretical Physics, or a closely related field.
• Experience in theoretical and computational mechanics of structures, including shell theory, elasticity, and variational mechanics.
• Experience with finite-element methods, numerical analysis, and coupled electromechanical systems.
• Proficiency with FEM software or custom numerical solvers, such as COMSOL, ABAQUS, ANSYS, or custom FEM codes.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages, including MATLAB, Python, C++, or Julia.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, written, and oral communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Nice to have

• Expertise in electromagnetic theory and its coupling to continuum mechanical systems.
• Strong publication record in theoretical and/or computational mechanics.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life, AD&D, flexible spending, and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid holidays, monthly sick leave, and paid vacation.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Professional development through LinkedIn Learning, webinars, conference support, educational release time, and tuition assistance.
• Free exercise programs and wellness resources.
• The position is grant funded, and continued employment may depend on future funding.

Hiring process

• Submit complete application data or attach a complete resume; a cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.
• Employment is contingent on credential verification and completion of a criminal history investigation.