Postdoctoral Research Associate

Updated: about 11 hours ago
Location: San Angelo, TEXAS
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Position Information


Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate
Position Number 977343
Department Engineering
Salary $65,000
Remote No
Job Summary/Description
The Material Assessment and Qualification (MatAQ) research group in the David L. Hirschfeld Department of Engineering at Angelo State University (ASU) is led by Dr. Mohammad Shafinul Haque, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate. This is a full-time position supported by a Department of Energy (DOE)-funded collaboration project between ASU and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab).
The research project will develop a reliable framework to accelerate the development of novel high-power particle-production target material for advanced particle accelerator applications. A reverse modeling strategy will be used to design an optimum test matrix. This framework will enable modeling and predicting ion-irradiated mechanical properties using reduced test data, thereby accelerating the development of novel High-Entropy Alloys (HEA) materials. Our research project will include nanoindentation testing of ion-irradiated HEAs and material characterization, generating new data for design consideration. Irradiated mechanical property prediction models and property correlation metamodels will be developed considering traditional and machine learning approaches. Extrapolation will be performed using a data superposition approach to predict HEA material responses at high beam power conditions, and the results will be validated against new test data. The combined optimum testing matrix and robust modeling techniques will be used to down select suitable HEA compositions that are resistant to beam-induced radiation and thermal shock damage. The selection of a suitable HEA for particle production targets will ensure reliable operation and improved lifetime for advanced multi-MW accelerator target facilities, such as the 2.4 megawatt Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility and proposed 10 tera-electron-volt muon collider.
This position is funded by a grant. Continued employment beyond the period of grant funding cannot be guaranteed.
Typical Duties/Job Duties
65% – Conduct research related to the DOE-funded project, including experimental design, data collection, analysis, and documentation.
20% – Communicate research findings to the broader community through writing and submitting papers to peer-reviewed journals, giving presentations at universities and national laboratories, and presenting at professional conferences.
15% – Participate in regular meetings with the PI, including lab and one-on-one meetings. Supervise two undergraduate students involved in the research project and perform other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Experience with materials testing (tensile, hardness, nanoindentation, metallography) and microstructural characterization techniques (SEM, EBSD, OM)
  • Experience with metallographic specimen preparation
  • Knowledge of mechanical properties of materials: Hardness, Elastic modulus, Ductility, Yield strength, and strain
  • A proven track record of conducting independent scientific research with Creative and independent problem-solving skills
  • Programming experience in Python and/or C++
  • Strong mathematical and analytical skills
  • Has experience working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills as demonstrated by presentations at conferences and a record of publication(s) in peer-reviewed journals.
Minimum Qualifications
A Ph.D. (or will have one at the time of appointment) in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Physics, or a related field. Ph.D. candidates nearing completion are also encouraged to apply. Backgrounds in experimental, theoretical, and/or computational research; candidates from all areas will be considered.
Eligibility to Work in the United States
This position is limited to applicants who are U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), or individuals with valid U.S. work authorization.
Candidates seeking employment under the J-1 Research Scholar visa or F1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) with an approved Employment Authorization Document (EAD) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Any offer of employment for such candidates will be contingent upon maintaining valid work authorization for the duration of the appointment.
Preferred Qualifications
Physical Requirements
EEO Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Angelo State University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to employment opportunities for qualified individuals with disabilities. We are committed to ensuring that a qualified individual with a disability has the same rights and privileges in employment as non-disabled employees. If an accommodation is requested for the job application process, please contact our office at (325) 942-2168 or email us at hr@angelo.edu .

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number S1104P
Open Date 03/31/2026
Close Date
Desired Start Date
Review Start Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please attach the following items with your application
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of selected publications and oral presentations
  • A statement of research interests
  • A brief Statement on modeling, simulation, and/or programming experience (no more than one page) — this may include a list of relevant experience and any related publications.
  • Three Letters of Reference — to be submitted directly by the referees
Required Number of References