Job Description

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Computational Modeling and Materials Design

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to ongoing research projects in computational modeling, multiscale simulation, and data-driven design of functional materials for structural applications. The position will involve conducting independent and collaborative research, mentoring graduate students, assisting with proposal development, and contributing to publications and reports.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong background in computational materials modeling and mechanics, including molecular simulations, multiscale modeling, and/or machine‑learning‑based materials design
• Demonstrated publication record in peer‑reviewed journals relevant to computational materials, mechanics, or related fields
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment and mentor graduate students.
• Experience with high-performance computing and scientific programming tools commonly used in computational modeling.

Department/Program & College Description:

Iowa State has a long history of educational and research excellence in aerospace engineering. This includes training students for engineering careers in aviation starting as early as 1928, housing one of five NASA centers of excellence in Computational Fluid Dynamics in the 1970’s, building the world’s first Tornado and Downburst simulator, and housing the only university icing research wind tunnel in the United States.

Over the years, our graduates have gone on to distinguish themselves in the aerospace profession. Aerospace Engineering students at Iowa State take a rigorous curriculum in core aerospace engineering sciences and design and have numerous opportunities to pursue hand-on work both inside and outside the department.

Department Unit/Website:

Department of Aerospace Engineering – College of Engineering, Iowa State University

Proposed Start Date:

May 1, 2026

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

December 31, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Part time

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:


1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter


If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.



Why Choose ISU?


Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing Program

Original Posting Date:

April 6, 2026

Posting Close Date:

April 13, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18944

Job Tags

Part time, Traineeship, Flexible hours

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