New

Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Texas at Dallas

$57,000-$60,000 commensurate with experience

medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, retirement plan, remote work

United States, Texas, Richardson

Nov 19, 2025

Posting Details

Posting Number	S06736P
Position Title	Postdoctoral Research Associate
Functional Title
Department	Mechanical Engineering
Salary Range	$57,000-$60,000 commensurate with experience
Pay Basis	Monthly
Position Status	Regular full-time
Location	Richardson
Position End Date (if temporary)	01/20/2027
Posting Open Date	11/19/2025
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled	Yes
Desired Start Date	01/20/2026
Job Summary	The Flow Dynamics and Turbulence ( FDT) Laboratory, within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position focused on laboratory investigations of small-scale turbulence above and below surface waves under high-wind conditions. We seek a highly motivated, independent, and creative researcher with a strong background in air-sea interactions and experimental fluid mechanics, particularly in optical flow visualization techniques. The successful candidate will conduct advanced laboratory experiments to investigate the dynamics of small-scale turbulence in the coupled air-sea boundary layer and its impact on air-sea flux transfers. This will be accomplished by a combination of novel experiments based on particle image velocimetry ( PIV), laser-induced fluorescence ( LIF), high-speed imaging, and schlieren/shadowgraphy techniques. The resulting dataset will support the development of sea-state-dependent parameterizations of air-sea fluxes.
Minimum Education and Experience	Ph.D in a related field.
Preferred Education and Experience	PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Physical Oceanography, or related field by the time of appointment. Demonstrated research experience with a record of peer-reviewed publications in air-sea interactions, ocean waves and sea spray dynamics, and/or atmospheric and oceanic turbulence. Demonstrated expertise in experimental fluid mechanics, with priority given to candidates experienced in PIV, high-speed imaging, shadowgraphy, and/or Schlieren techniques. Experience developing LabVIEW scripts and APIs for target-specific applications, working with data acquisition (DAQ) systems, and proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and LabVIEW. Capable of working independently and as part of a collaborative research team, with excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Other Qualifications	To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities	Conduct Experimental Research: Design, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments focused on surface-wave and turbulence measurements using advanced optical and laser-based techniques. Develop Measurement Techniques: Develop and refine experimental methodologies that integrate complementary techniques to quantify surface waves and their corresponding processes, including turbulence, wave breaking, bubble entrainment, and spray generation. Experimental Data Analysis: Utilize MATLAB, Python, and LabVIEW to develop DAQ systems, analyze experimental data, and create custom control and processing scripts. Research Dissemination: Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at academic and professional conferences. Collaborative Research Projects: Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary research team on projects related to air-sea interactions, and contribute to proposal development, student mentoring, and project management. Maintain Laboratory Equipment: Ensure proper operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, including troubleshooting technical issues related to fluid mechanics experimental setups. Mentorship and Training: Provide guidance to graduate and undergraduate students in experimental techniques, data analysis, and research methodologies.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical Activities
Working Conditions
Additional Information	The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years, depending on performance and funding availability. A remote work schedule is not available for this position. What We Can Offer UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes: Competitive Salary Tuition Benefits Internal Training BCBS PPO Medical insurance - 100% paid for full-time employees PPO and DHMO Dental Insurance Plan - PPO plans include ortho benefits Vision Insurance Long and short-term disability TRS Retirement Plan - defined benefit plan offering lifetime annuity upon retirement Voluntary Retirement Plan Options - additional savings opportunities with Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans and Deferred Compensation Plans Dental/Vision/AD&D Paid time off Paid Holidays Paid Winter Break Fertility Benefits All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program. Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information. If you are looking for a rewarding career opportunity with great benefits? Look no further! Join our team! About Us: The FDT laboratory is part of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. It is an interdisciplinary research group dedicated to understanding the nature of turbulence and examining turbulent flow processes in different natural, industrial, and engineering environments using experimental, numerical, and theoretical approaches. Particularly, our research agenda is focused on studying turbulent air-sea interaction processes, including surface waves and the accompanying generation of turbulence, spray, bubbles, airflow separation, and breaking waves. Another strand of our research is devoted to studying the turbulence structure in hurricane boundary-layer flows and examining the impacts of wind-wave interaction processes on offshore wind turbines and on-shore structures. In general, our research field is of interest to engineering, applied mathematics, and oceanography scholars. Physics learned from our work directly impacts our understanding of air-sea couplings and ocean waves, which is crucial for weather and climate forecasting and has significant societal benefits, impacting many aspects of human life.
Special Instructions Summary
Important Message	1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public. 2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the *ADA Coordinator* . For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.