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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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwQR4HbGJu0) !

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 [email protected] ([email protected]) .

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

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

From our generous benefits package (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/benefits/index.php) 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: (https://assets.system.tamus.edu/files/benefits/website/BenefitsGuide.pdf)

+ 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 (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/careers/dual-career-partner/index.php)

ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES

Work Life Solutions: (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/benefits/eap.php)

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

Tuition Benefits: (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/benefits/tuition/index.php)

+ Public Loan Forgiveness

+ Book scholarships

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

Retirement (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/benefits/retirement-programs.php) :

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

+ Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/time-off/index.php) :

+ 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.