Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi Department College of Engineering - ENGR Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Corpus Christi, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies. TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities. Learn more information here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwQR4HbGJu0) ! PURPOSE The Nano Sensing and Energy Laboratory (NSEL) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The candidate must hold a doctoral degree and have expertise in phase-change heat transfer, micro/nano fabrication (photo or e-beam lithography), and optical imaging. The primary responsibility is to study liquid film dynamics during phase-change processes such as evaporation and/or boiling, using near-surface imaging techniques like surface plasmon resonance imaging or optical microscopy, along with simulation (modeling). While nanoscale liquid films are known to play a role in ultrafast evaporation, clear experimental evidence remains elusive. These liquid films are expected to have thicknesses ranging from the micron to nanoscale. The role of nanoscale liquid films in phase-change processes, including the microlayer in boiling, will also be explored to understand the fundamental mechanisms behind heat transfer enhancement on micro/nano-patterned surfaces. The secondary responsibility involves analyzing the thermodynamics of plasmonic photo-thermal catalysis over timescales ranging from femtoseconds to milliseconds, utilizing models and numerical simulations based on experimental results. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will also utilize pump/probe spectroscopy and imaging techniques, as well as plasmonics, including metamaterials and ultrafast kinetics-induced chemical reactions. The position is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy (DOE) Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program, and TAMUS-National Laboratory Office (NLO) seed funding. The project is conducted in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), and the Postdoctoral Research Associate will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as electron-beam lithography (EBL), at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT), operated by SNL and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). This role provides the Postdoctoral Research Associate with a unique opportunity to collaborate with numerous prestigious scientists and engineers at SNL and LANL. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will focus on imaging, micro/nano fabrication, and simulation in collaboration with SNL scientists and engineers under the guidance of the PI. Additionally, the Postdoctoral Research Associate will mentor graduate and undergraduate students. The candidate must demonstrate a proven record of journal publications and the ability to work independently. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will present research findings at conferences, publish research articles, and contribute to proposal preparations. The preferred candidate should have expertise in thermal fluids (two-phase flows) based on optical imaging and micro/nano fabrication using cleanroom photolithography techniques. Proficiency in English communication is essential. RESPSONSIBILITIES Research: 90% + Investigate liquid film dynamics to analyze ultrafast evaporation and heat transfer enhancement on micro/nanoscale patterned surfaces during phase change processes (evaporation and boiling) through near-surface imaging, theoretical modeling, and numerical studies. + Design and fabricate micro/nano-structured patterns utilizing cleanroom photolithography or electron beam lithography techniques at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratory (SNL). Assemble thermal cells for phase-change heat transfer experiments. + Conduct modeling and numerical simulations of thermal energy distribution from plasmonic nanoparticles coupled with photocatalysts, comparing results with experimental data obtained from near-surface imaging, ultrafast pump-probe laser techniques, and frequency/time domain temperature reflection. + Publish research articles and assist in preparing funding proposals. + Present research findings at conferences. Mentoring: 5% + Provide mentoring to graduate/undergraduate students under the guidance of PI. Lab Administration: 5% + Perform lab administration under the guidance of PI. QUALIFICATIONS + A Doctoral Degree in engineering (mechanical or chemical) or the sciences (physics or chemistry) is required at the time of application. + Expertise in two-phase flow (evaporation and boiling), optical imaging, micro/nano fabrication (lithography), and related fields. + Practical experience in physical/optics experiments, cleanroom technologies for micro/nano structures, and computer programming (numerical simulations) in thermal/heat transfer, along with excellent communication skills. + A proven record of publications in peer-reviewed journal articles and a demonstrated ability to conduct independent research. + Proficiency in English. SALARY: Up to $4,166.67 Monthly ($50,000.00 Annually, Approximately) NOTE: This is a grant funded position. Continued employment contingent upon available funding. + Per the recently signed National Defense Authorization Act and DoE, new regulations have been established on the individuals that may be granted access to their facilities. The candidate must be able to obtain unrestricted access to the CINT facility, operated by SNL and LANL. BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply) From our generous benefits package (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/benefits/index.php) and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work. INSURANCE: (https://assets.system.tamus.edu/files/benefits/website/BenefitsGuide.pdf) + Medical + $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value). + Up to 83% of premium covered by the university: + Employee and Spouse + Employee and Children + Employee and Family coverage + Dental & Vision + Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/careers/dual-career-partner/index.php) ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES Work Life Solutions: (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/benefits/eap.php) + Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources Tuition Benefits: (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/benefits/tuition/index.php) + Public Loan Forgiveness + Book scholarships + 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply). Retirement (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/benefits/retirement-programs.php) : + Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) + Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan Time Off (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/time-off/index.php) : + 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month. + 8 hours of sick leave time off every month. + 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave. + 12-15 paid holidays each year. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.