Hypersonic Ground Test Researcher

Job Description

The Opportunity

The laboratories of Profs. Raghavan, Engblom and Ricklick at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona welcomes applications for a postdoctoral scholar to commence work in in November, 2026 to November 2027. The scholar will work on game-changing low-cost and high-throughput ground testing for rapid and accurate materials testing in a close-to-hypersonic realm. The postdoctoral scholar will offer multidisciplinary research skills, adapting to the convolution of aerodynamic, aerothermal and materials fields. The researcher will co-ordinate the integration of the test rig at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) with full-time dedication and multiple extended visits to ANL to realize the outcomes.

The selected candidate will work under the supervision of Prof Raghavan. Dr Raghavan values scientific and professional mentorship as well as outreach for the development of future scientists.

Due to federal regulations, this position is limited to U.S. citizens. Proof of citizenship will be required upon hire.

Project Leadership and Collaboration:

• Serve as supporting materials scientific researcher on the project, guiding its technical direction and ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues from Argonne National Laboratory and industry partners to integrate diverse expertise and resources.
• Foster a collaborative environment among the project team, facilitating effective communication and knowledge exchange.

Design and Development of Testing Facility:

• Lead the materials aspects of the design and development of a state-of-the-art ground materials test facility tailored for hypersonic applications.
• Oversee the technical operation, training and usage of manufacturing equipment at ERAU for this project including the Spark Plasma Sintering system and high temperature heater equipment.
• Coordinate the integration of the test facility with existing synchrotron facilities to leverage advanced imaging and analysis techniques.
• Oversee the procurement, installation, and commissioning of new equipment and technologies necessary for the facility’s operation.
• Conduct validation and verification testing for the facility’s commissioning.

Research and Experimentation:

• Design a step-by-step approach to conducting high-level research on hypersonic materials under various conditions
• Develop and implement experimental protocols and procedures to effectively utilize the facility for material testing.
• Analyze and interpret data collected from experiments, utilizing advanced computational methods and software.

Mentorship and Training:

• Mentor and supervise a team of graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project, providing guidance on research methodologies and professional development.
• Develop training materials and procedures for the safe and effective operation of the test facility.
• Organize workshops and seminars to disseminate knowledge and skills pertinent to hypersonic materials testing.

Outreach and Dissemination:

• Present findings at national conferences, workshops, and symposia.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to scientific community knowledge.
• Engage with industry partners to translate research findings into practical applications and innovations in the field of hypersonics.

​Project Management and Reporting:

• Support the management of project timelines, budgets, and deliverables in coordination with the principal investigators and funding agencies.
• Prepare regular progress reports and updates for stakeholders and funding bodies.
• Ensure compliance with all institutional, federal, and safety regulations in all project activities.

About us

For over 100 years, Embry-Riddle has been the world's leading aviation and aerospace university, educating more than 30,000 students across residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona, as well as through a global network of Worldwide locations and online programs. With more than 165,000 alumni around the world, our impact reaches every corner of the aerospace, aviation, defense and technology industries.

Today, our faculty, researchers and professional staff are advancing innovation across aviation, space, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, autonomous systems and next-generation engineering. Working alongside industry leaders, government agencies and innovators, they are solving real-world challenges and shaping the technologies that will define tomorrow.

Whether you are an educator, researcher, administrator, technologist or industry professional, your work at Embry-Riddle will contribute to something bigger than a job. Join a community driven by discovery, purpose and excellence—and help shape the future of aerospace.

Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle!

• Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.
• Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution – with no vesting period.
• Generous Time Off: Enjoy up to 18 days of paid leave in your first year, including 3 days granted upon hire and 15 days accrued throughout the year. You'll also receive 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.

Qualifications

Required education and qualifications

Candidates should have a doctorate in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, or a related field. Candidates should also have a strong understanding of the mechanics of materials, advanced diagnostics in this area, as well as interest or experience in developing instrumentation and working with experimental techniques.

It is desired that candidates have strong presentation skills, capability to support research guidance of a team of students and excellent communication with external collaborators including industry partners and scientists.

Application process/requirements

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the review process will continue until the position is filled.

To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site and search for requisition number R312271. Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include:

• Full CV
• One-page research statement
• Representative journal publication
• Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process)

Current Embry-Riddle employees: Please apply directly through the ERAU Employee Hub Central application within Workday.

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