Visiting Postdocroral Researcher, Science, Soft Matter

Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is currently seeking an entry level highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team and help establish cutting-edge experimental capabilities in the field of granular materials research. This position will play a critical role in developing concepts, testing them experimentally, and formulating ground rules for a new soft matter research platform focused on granular media.

The successful candidate will work closely with theoreticians in our laboratory, bridging the gap between theoretical predictions and experimental validation. The primary responsibilities of this role include designing and constructing novel experimental setups, conducting systematic investigations, analyzing data, and iterating on concepts to advance our understanding of granular material behavior.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of a cutting-edge granular materials research program and the establishment of experimental capabilities for future soft matter research platforms. The successful candidate will gain valuable experience in experimental design, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration, while advancing our understanding of the fascinating behavior of granular media.

Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (Green card holders) 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and build advanced experimental apparatuses to study granular materials under various conditions (e.g., microgravity, confinement, shear, etc.).
• Conduct well-designed experiments to test theoretical models and uncover new phenomena in granular media.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical and analytical techniques.
• Collaborate with theoreticians to reconcile experimental findings with theoretical predictions and refine models accordingly.
• Contribute to the establishment of ground rules and best practices for conducting granular materials research on future soft matter platforms.
• Participate in the preparation of research proposals, reports, and publications.
• Present research findings at conferences and seminars.

 It is expected that the candidate will publish research results in conference proceedings and peer-reviewed journals.

Required Qualifications: 

Education: 

• Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field with a strong focus on experimental research in granular materials or soft condensed matter physics.

Experience: 

• A solid background in experimental techniques, instrumentation, and data acquisition/analysis methods relevant to granular materials research.
• A proven ability to design and construct complex experimental setups from conceptualization to implementation.
• Experience with numerical simulations or theoretical modeling of granular materials is desirable but not required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and creatively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts.
• Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C++) and data analysis tools.
• Highly motivated, self-driven, and able to work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

The candidate is also expected to: 

• Be a team player; 
• Be a self-starter;
• Have a willingness to learn and collaborate with other scientists; 
• Be curious and open to working on interdisciplinary subjects;
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills; and 
• Experience with documenting studies through presentations or written peer-reviewed publications.

Working Conditions: 

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. Extensive online usage. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential duties and responsibilities.

Travel:  Negligible 
 
Applicants should apply to the posting at USRA Careers and include a letter of interest, resume, or curriculum vitae. 

Additional information on USRA can be found at www.usra.edu.   

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity. 

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