Postdoctoral Associate in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Description

The Precision Space Systems Laboratory in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida is seeking to fill one postdoctoral scholar position, in the area of modeling and numerical simulations of the dynamics and control of both space-based and ground-based gravitational wave observatories. The applications of the research will be applied to the NASA-ESA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) gravitational wave observatory, which consists of three sun-orbiting drag-free spacecraft, and the suspension and vibration isolation system for the Advanced LIGO gravitational wave observatory. Appointments as Research Scientist may be considered for exceptional candidates.

Be a technical lead for the development of mathematical models and numerical simulators for spacecraft orbit and attitude dynamics, estimation, and control. Lead the development of mathematical models, numerical simulators, including Finite Element Models, and estimation and control techniques for the mechanical vibration isolation and suspension systems for ground-based laser interferometer gravitational wave observatories. Support the modeling and data analysis for precision torsion pendulum experiments used to simulate the free-fall environment of test masses for drag-free spacecraft. Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in these projects and assist with technical and programmatic reports, journal articles and conference presentations.

Qualifications

Ph.D. degree in Mechanical and/or Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Astrophysics or a closely related discipline.

Knowledge and experience in the following topics are desired: Numerical simulation and estimation techniques applied to space and/or complex mechanical systems, including spacecraft attitude and translation and/or suspension and seismic isolation systems for precision experiments; Experience with the development, flight operations and/or data analysis of space flight programs; Software tools including Matlab, Python, C++, and finite element codes such as ANSYS.

Application Instructions

Please send a letter of interest highlighting research and long-term goals, curriculum vitae, and the names and email addresses of three or more references. Please apply via Interfolio http://apply.interfolio.com/71081 and reference job 55787.

Final candidate will be required to provide official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352/392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800/955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.

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