C240701
Mentor: Dr. Kathy Lu, Chair, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering is seeking multiple highly motivated and independent postdocs to conduct research in leading-edge polymer-derived ceramic and composite materials synthesis, processing, and characterization with experimental and simulation combined approaches. The postdoc will carry out highly exciting and leading-edge research related to federally sponsored projects and other related activities in high temperature and harsh environment materials, with an emphasis on polymer-derived materials. The specific tasks involve development of detailed research plans, implementation of the research tasks, and preparing lab reports and journal manuscripts. The research involves synthesis of different high temperature materials, polymer derived ceramics, modeling, simulations, and machine learning. She/he will also carry out property testing and characterization of different materials related to composition, phase, and microstructure, study the interactions and fundamental mechanisms of material behaviors in harsh environments, and develop theoretical understanding of the proposed research. The postdoc will be involved in preparing reports, documents, and manuscripts. She/he will assist the research of the graduate students. The postdoc will also help to develop grant proposals, deliver educational programs, and coordinate activities involving a number of project members.
Requirements:
PhD degree in Materials Science and Engineering or other related engineering disciples and within 5 years of obtaining the PhD degree.
Strong background in polymer chemistry, ceramics, thermodynamics, ceramic materials processing, and combined experimental and modeling skills.
Extensive knowledge in microstructure characterization.
Strong technical writing skills, and good publication records.
Application Deadline: Review will start no later than April 5, 2024. However, applicants will be accepted until the positions are filled.
How to apply:
Interested candidates, please contact Prof. Kathy Lu (
About our Postdoc Office
UAB is committed to the development and success of outstanding postdoctoral scientists. Here at UAB, nearly 300 postdoctoral fellows are training currently in a variety of disciplines. Competitive postdoc awards are available including internships, grant incentives, funds to enhance education and collaboration outside UAB, and teaching opportunities at local universities. There is also a Postdoc Research Day with monetary awards. The Office of Postdoctoral Education strongly encourages UAB research mentors to follow the National Research Service Award stipend level guidelines, and postdoctoral scholars qualify for health, life, and other insurances. They also have the right to participate in the university’s 403(b) program and enjoy vacation, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and other benefits.
About the University
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches, and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social, and economic benefit of Birmingham, the state, and beyond. UAB is internationally renowned for its intensely collaborative culture that has — for more than five decades — produced breakthroughs in education, health care, research, and service. UAB was ranked #1 in the United States, and in the top 10 worldwide, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2018 Young University Rankings.
Spanning more than 100 city blocks, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest single employer with nearly 28,000 employees and has an annual, state-wide economic impact of $12.1 billion. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” ranks 16 UAB graduate programs among the nation’s top 25 and eight UAB specialties were ranked among the nation’s top 50 in the magazine’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals report. UAB research grants and awards are at a record high, totaling $715 million in FY22 — a 50% increase over the past five years. UAB ranks 33rd among all universities in federal research funding and 17th among public universities. UAB's NIH funding continues to grow among peer institutions in the Southeast and beyond, with the university ranking 25th among all universities in NIH funding and 11th among public universities.
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.
For more information on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at UAB, visit the UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion opens a new website, call (205) 934-8762, or contact the office at 701 20th Street South, AB 336, Birmingham, AL 35294-0103.