Open Positions

Postdoctoral Position in Data-Driven Machine Learning, Numerical Simulation, and Advanced Manufacturing

Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame
Prof. Tengfei Luo (Mönster Lab)

The Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame has a full-time postdoctoral position available in the research group of Prof. Tengfei Luo. The position is supported by a newly awarded federal research program and is available immediately.

The successful candidate will work at the intersection of data-driven machine learning, numerical simulation, and advanced manufacturing. Broadly, the research develops predictive models and simulation tools that guide the design and processing of high-performance materials, and closes the loop between computation and experiment so that model predictions are validated and refined against real manufacturing data. Specific interests include machine-learning surrogate models and property prediction, Bayesian optimization and active learning for efficient design-of-experiment, physics-informed and differentiable modeling of processes, and the use of in-process sensing and characterization data to build and update process digital twins. There will be substantial opportunity to interact with an industrial partner and with experimental collaborators at Notre Dame, and to see modeling work carried through to manufactured components.

Required qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline (completed by the start date).
• Strong programming ability, particularly in Python.
• Demonstrated research experience in at least one of the following: machine learning and data-driven modeling; numerical simulation of physical processes; or materials processing and manufacturing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team, and a record of peer-reviewed publication.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with modern machine-learning frameworks (PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow, scikit-learn) and with neural networks, Gaussian processes, Bayesian optimization, or uncertainty quantification.
• Experience with physics-based simulation — finite element or finite volume methods, heat and mass transport, reacting or multiphysics systems, molecular simulation, or first-principles calculations.
• Experience with physics-informed or differentiable programming approaches that couple simulation with learned models.
• Familiarity with materials characterization and manufacturing process data, in-situ process monitoring, or high-temperature materials.
• Experience building and maintaining research databases, workflows, or web tools.

Candidates with a strong overall record will be considered regardless of their specific background, provided they are willing to take on directions outside their prior training.

Eligibility

Because of sponsor requirements, applicants must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or other protected individuals as defined by federal regulation). Unfortunately, we are not able to consider applicants who do not meet this requirement for this particular position.

Terms

The appointment is for one year, renewable for additional years based on performance and continuation of funding. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, and follows University of Notre Dame postdoctoral guidelines. The University offers a full benefits package. The preferred start date is as early as possible; applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

To apply

Please email (i) a cover letter briefly describing your research experience and interests as they relate to this position, (ii) a curriculum vitae including a publication list, and (iii) the names and contact information (title, affiliation, and email) of three professional references to Prof. Tengfei Luo at tluo@nd.edu, with “Postdoc Application — ML/Simulation/Manufacturing” in the subject line. Please do not send letters of recommendation with your application; contact information is sufficient at this stage, and we will request letters directly from your references if needed.

The University of Notre Dame is an Equal Opportunity Employer. More information about the department is available at ame.nd.edu.