Postdoctoral Fellow, Acoustic Systems, Metamaterials, and Sensing

About the role

The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at the University of Cincinnati is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow who will conduct independent and collaborative research in acoustic sensing, ultrasonic systems, and wave-based metamaterials within the Metasonics Lab. The successful candidate will contribute to funded projects in underwater acoustics, wireless ultrasonic power transfer, and 3D-printed acoustic materials, while developing advanced experimental and computational methods. The position emphasizes high-impact research, scholarly publications, and proposal development, and is intended to support professional growth toward an independent academic or research career.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental and theoretical research in ultrasonics, acoustic sensing, and metamaterials.
• Design, fabricate, and characterize 3D-printed acoustic and ultrasonic devices.
• Investigate wave propagation, focusing, and energy transfer in structured materials and fluid–solid systems.
• Develop and validate multiphysics models for acoustic systems.
• Perform underwater and enclosed-environment acoustic measurements.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of custom underwater experimental platforms and scanning hydrophone setups.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental and numerical data.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Participate in proposal writing and sponsored research activities.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Maintain laboratory instrumentation and documentation.
• Engage in professional development activities.

Requirements

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Acoustics, Materials Science, or a closely related field.

Qualifications

• Strong background in experimental and/or computational acoustics or ultrasonics.
• Experience in transducers, signal processing, metamaterials, or multiphysics modeling.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or similar tools.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Background in underwater acoustics or wireless power transfer.
• Familiarity with advanced instrumentation systems.
• Experience with additive manufacturing and micro-structured materials.
• Experience with COMSOL or ANSYS.
• Prior federally funded research experience.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Tuition Remission — covers tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.
• Robust Retirement Plans — choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.
• Real Work-Life Balance — generous time-off policy including vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days), and 6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription).
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs.
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities.