Postdoctoral Research Associate: Engineering - Squid Swimming

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Squid Swimming

Employee Classification: Postdoctoral Research Assoc

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Engineering

Department: UNT-Mechanical Engineering-130340

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and discipline, in accordance with university guidelines and available funding.

FTE: 1.00

Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at

Department Summary

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has a mission to provide a high quality education to our diverse student population through excellence and innovation in teaching and research in order to serve the scientific and engineering needs of the state of Texas and the nation. This will be achieved by a balance of formal course work, practical laboratory training, and research projects that encompass both the basic science and the applied aspects of mechanical engineering. The department offers B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering degrees.

UNT has a highly diverse campus with a wide range of languages spoken in addition to English. We welcome candidates who have experience with HSI/MSIs and/or who speak Spanish, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin and other variations), Arabic, Tagalog, Farsi, French, or/and Yoruba.

Position Overview

The College of Engineering is seeking a qualified candidate to support a new NSF-funded project (- award?AWD_ID=2602821) investigating coordination in squid swimming. The successful candidate will lead quantitative analysis of animal configuration and related flow field topology utilizing graph theory to assess the impact of swimming and environmental conditions on coordination and efficiency of animal locomotion.

The project will utilize state-of-the-art volumetric flow measurement techniques and development of novel analysis methods for quantifying swimming behavior. The project will involve close collaboration with biologists and advising undergraduate student researchers.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with analysis of three-dimensional velocity fields
Computer programming/scripting experience
Experience with graph analysis and optimization methods

Required License/Registration/Certifications

 

Job Duties

• Analyze data and develop physical models
• Write publications
• Prepare and present technical presentations
• Assist with project reports 

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Environmental Hazards

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Work Schedule

Varies based upon assignment

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.