Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Department

College of Engineering - ENGR

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs.  As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.

TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.

Learn more information here!

PURPOSE

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct advanced research in salinity gradient (“blue energy”) harvesting and vibration-based energy harvesting, focusing on developing next-generation self-powered sensing technologies for structural, environmental, and infrastructure applications. The position supports research projects, prototype development, lab experiments, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research & Experimental Development: 60%

• Design and conduct experiments on salinity gradient energy harvesting, including membrane-free systems, porous carbon electrodes, electrochemical performance testing, and long-term stability evaluation.

• Develop vibration-based energy harvesting systems, including MEMS-based and macroscale variable-capacitor harvesters.

• Fabricate, characterize, and test electrode materials, sensor components, and system prototypes.

• Conduct electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry, and power density measurements.

• Lead data acquisition, signal processing, and interpretation of experimental results.

• Maintain detailed laboratory records and ensure quality control in all experiments.

System Integration & Prototyping: 20%

• Integrate energy harvesters with wireless sensor nodes for structural health monitoring (SHM) and environmental sensing applications.

• Develop custom testbeds for vibration and salinity testing.

• Assist in designing and assembling mechanical, electrical, and electrochemical components for prototype systems.

• Support field deployment, performance evaluation, and troubleshooting of prototype devices.

Scholarly Output, Mentoring & Project Support: 20%

• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present research at conferences.

• Contribute to proposal writing for NSF, DOE, PHMSA, and other funding agencies.

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in energy harvesting and sensing projects.

• Collaborate with faculty, industry partners, and research sponsors to support project deliverables.

• Assist with project documentation, reporting, and compliance.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field; Advanced ABD will be considered and degree must be conferred by time of appointment.

• Experience in at least one (1) of the following: electrochemistry, porous materials, MEMS devices, vibration energy harvesting, structural health monitoring, or renewable energy systems.

• Strong experimental skills in materials characterization, electrochemical analysis, or vibration testing.

• Knowledge of energy harvesting principles, capacitor/variable-capacitor systems, or salinity gradient energy conversion.

• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment (potentiostats, impedance analyzers, vibration shakers, etc.).

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to supervise students and contribute to publications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with membrane-free salinity gradient systems, porous carbon materials, or electrode surface modification.

• Experience with vibration shaker tables, EIS modeling, or custom sensor system design.

• Knowledge of wireless sensing, microcontrollers, or IoT data acquisition tools.

• Publications in energy harvesting, electrochemistry, or sensing-related fields.

• Experience collaborating on or preparing federal research proposals.

For more information, please contact the search chair, Dr. Jian Yu, at Jian.Yu@tamucc.edu.

SALARY: $5,000.00 Monthly ($60,000.00 Annual, Approximately)

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.

INSURANCE:

• Medical

  • $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).

  • Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:

    • Employee and Spouse

    • Employee and Children

    • Employee and Family coverage

• Dental & Vision

• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM

ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Public Loan Forgiveness

• Book scholarships

• 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).

Retirement:

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)

• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off:

• 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.

• 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.

• 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.

• 12-15 paid holidays each year.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.