Purdue University Post-Doctoral Research Associate Position 2026 | Materials Physics and Aerospace Research
Organization
Purdue University
Duration
3 Years Project (Expected Appointment Starting Fall 2026)
Fellowship Amount
Funded Research Position
Overview
About Organization
Purdue University is one of the leading research universities in the United States, recognized globally for excellence in engineering, aerospace research, innovation, and advanced scientific discoveries. The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics is renowned for conducting cutting-edge research in aerospace systems, materials science, autonomous technologies, and multidisciplinary engineering applications.
About Post-Doctoral Research Associate Position
The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to work on an advanced research project focused on self-sensing materials for aerospace applications. The project aims to understand how carbon fiber-reinforced polymers and other self-sensing materials respond under realistic multi-physical loading conditions, including mechanical, thermal, and environmental effects.
The research combines experimental investigations, computational modeling, microscale analysis, and analytical modeling to develop autonomous sensing capabilities for future aerospace structures while reducing inspection and maintenance costs.
Recruitment Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Purdue University |
| Department | School of Aeronautics and Astronautics |
| Research Lab | TNT Labs |
| Position | Post-Doctoral Research Associate |
| Project Funding | Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Expected Start Term | Fall 2026 |
| Location | West Lafayette, Indiana, USA |
Who Can Apply?
- Candidates holding a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related disciplines.
- Researchers with experience in fiber-reinforced composite characterization.
- Applicants capable of independently leading and troubleshooting research projects.
- Individuals with strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Candidates interested in aerospace materials, structural health monitoring, and sensing technologies.
Required Skills
- Experience in fiber-reinforced composite characterization.
- Knowledge of elastic property measurements and material testing.
- Ability to independently manage research activities.
- Strong technical writing and communication skills.
- Experience with experimental data analysis and research reporting.
Preferred Skills
- Self-sensing materials research.
- Electrical property characterization.
- Computational modeling and simulation.
- Experimental design and measurement theory.
- Basic circuit analysis.
- Composite manufacturing techniques.
- Optimization methods.
- Tensor analysis.
Research Responsibilities
- Conduct experimental investigations on self-sensing composite materials.
- Perform computational and analytical modeling.
- Study multi-physical loading effects on aerospace materials.
- Develop sensing methodologies for aerospace structures.
- Collaborate with researchers from Purdue University and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
- Publish research findings in leading scientific journals and conferences.
Selection Process
- Application Screening
- Research Experience Evaluation
- Technical Assessment
- Interview
- Final Selection
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Position Posted | 04 June 2026 |
| Expected Joining | Fall 2026 |
| Application Deadline | Not Specified |
How to Apply
- Prepare an updated CV including relevant projects and publications.
- Include contact information and a list of references.
- Submit up to three pages highlighting prior research work.
- Email the complete application package to the Principal Investigator.
Email: tallman@purdue.edu
Subject Line: Post-doctoral application
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to work at a globally recognized research university.
- Participate in a funded AFOSR-sponsored aerospace research project.
- Collaborate with researchers from AFRL and Purdue University.
- Gain experience in advanced aerospace materials and sensing technologies.
- Access world-class research facilities and laboratories.
- Contribute to innovative autonomous sensing solutions for aerospace systems.
Advertisement URL
https://engineering.purdue.edu/AAE/Open_Positions/2026-tallman-postdoc
Financial Support
Fellowship Amount: Funded Research Position
Eligibility Criteria
Experience in fiber-reinforced composite characterization.
Ability to independently lead and troubleshoot research projects.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Experience in experimental research and data analysis.
Knowledge of aerospace materials and structural characterization techniques.
Preference for candidates with experience in self-sensing materials, computational modeling, experimental design, and composite manufacturing.
Important Dates
| 0 | Posted Date: 04 June 2026 |
| 1 | Expected Joining: Fall 2026 |
Streams
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