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Details

**Open Date** 11/18/2025

**Requisition Number** PRN43607B

**Job Title** Post Doc Res Assoc

**Working Title** Post Doc Res Assoc

**Career Progression Track** A00

Track Level

**FLSA Code** Administrative

**Patient Sensitive Job Code?** No

**Standard Hours per Week** 40

**Full Time or Part Time?** Full Time

**Shift** Day

Work Schedule Summary

**VP Area** Academic Affairs

**Department** 00062 - School of Computing

**Location** Campus

**City** Salt Lake City, UT

**Type of Recruitment** External Posting

**Pay Rate Range** 30000 to 75000

**Close Date** 01/01/2026

**Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)** 12/15/2025

Job Summary

The Kahlert School of Computing at the University of Utah invites applications for one a **1-year post-doctoral researcher** for interdisciplinary work spanning machine learning, applied mathematics, computer science, and material sciences, with a heavy software development component. The successful candidate will perform research in the application of machine learning (ML) techniques to the finite element method ( FEM ) in the context of composites and nonlinear materials, specifically dry fibers, and will work closely with the Air Force Research Laboratory ( AFRL ) and ARCTOS to integrate research into an existing JAX FEM framework jointly developed by University of Utah, AFRL , and ARCTOS .

This position also carries an expectation that any candidate will spend **9 months** of the academic year at the University of Utah under the supervision of Professors Varun Shankar and Robert M. Kirby, and **3 months** on-base at AFRL working with ARCTOS / AFRL while continuing collaboration with the University of Utah. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to continue working with ARCTOS as a research scientist to further this and other lines of research.

**Salary Range:** $60K – $70K – Post-doc funding depending on experience, with additional benefits.

Responsibilities

This position has several responsibilities. The successful candidate will:

1. Contribute to the development of a hybrid software framework for the finite element method and machine learning within the JAX Python library, including efficient implementations of classical numerical algorithms.

2. Extend the hybrid FEA -ML framework to include nonlinear cohesive zone models with simple traction separation laws in a modular manner such that additional traction-separation laws can easily be incorporated in the future.

3. Further extend the framework towards allowing discrete damage modeling via extended finite element methods, leveraging existing and actively developed libraries in AFRL related to crack growth.

4. Employ the hybrid FEM -ML framework to demonstrate a machine-learned crack model based on rich experimental data, using material information below the resolution of the mesh and the stress field as predicted by an FEA solution as inputs and whether a crack should initiate or the direction that an existing crack should extend as outputs.

5. Contribute to the hybrid FEA -ML framework in the JAX Python library to support the simulation of dry-fiber mechanics that incorporates the relevant physics and contact, as identified by AFRL through recent past efforts. This includes the implementation of relevant algorithms and solvers for distributed GPU computing within the JAX Python library.

Qualifications

The Kahlert School of Computing is seeking a highly talented and committed individual with a demonstrated ability to work well with minimal supervision in a multi-disciplinary research environment. Backgrounds in the engineering sciences, applied mathematics, physics and computational sciences will be considered. Individuals comfortable with machine learning, the JAX library, finite element methods, and/or high-performance computing are preferred; material science knowledge/expertise is a bonus. We are particularly looking for candidates interested in a long-term position with ARCTOS after the conclusion of this 1-year position, though this is not a strict requirement.

The candidate selected will contribute to the School’s world-class research and software development efforts and have the opportunity to develop their research, publication, and presentation skills under mentorship from established faculty investigators. Please contact Prof. Varun Shankar ([email protected]) for further information, and send all applications to both Prof. Shankar and Mr. Chris Coleman ([email protected]), Administrative Manager for the Kahlert School of Computing.

Being self-motivated and having good organizational, communication, and teamwork skills is essential.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferences

**Type** Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.