Postdoctoral Fellow, Acoustic Systems, Metamaterials, and Sensing

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors

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Job Overview

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.

Supervisor: Dr. Ahmed Allam

Lab Website: www.metasonicslab.com

Essential Functions

• 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.

Required Education

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

Required Experience

• 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.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits) Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status. Highlights include:

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll 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

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our Careers Page.

UC is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. Click here for a list of acceptable documents.

Important: To apply you must create a profile and submit a complete job application through the UC applicant portal. We are unable to consider “easy apply” applications submitted via other websites. For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact UC HR at jobs@uc.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.

REQ: 103989