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