Hypersonic Ground Test Researcher, Daytona Beach Campus

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University • Daytona Beach, FL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The laboratories of Profs. Raghavan, Engblom, and Ricklick in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach campus seek a postdoctoral scholar for work from November 2026 to November 2027. The scholar will contribute to developing low-cost, high-throughput ground testing for rapid and accurate materials testing in a near-hypersonic environment. The work requires multidisciplinary skills spanning aerodynamics, aerothermal science, and materials. The researcher will coordinate integration of the test rig at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), devote full-time effort to the project, and make multiple extended visits to ANL. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Raghavan. This position is limited to U.S. citizens under federal regulations, and proof of citizenship is required upon hire.

The postdoctoral scholar will support the project’s technical direction and collaborate with ANL colleagues and industry partners. Responsibilities include leading materials-related design and development of a hypersonic ground materials testing facility; overseeing ERAU manufacturing equipment, including a Spark Plasma Sintering system and high-temperature heater equipment; coordinating integration with synchrotron facilities; and overseeing equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, and validation. The scholar will develop experimental approaches and protocols, conduct materials research, and analyze results using computational methods and software.

The role also includes mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, developing facility training and safety procedures, and organizing workshops and seminars. The scholar will present and publish research, engage industry partners in translating findings into applications, and support project timelines, budgets, deliverables, reporting, and regulatory compliance. Prof. Raghavan values scientific and professional mentorship and outreach to develop future scientists.

Requirements

• Doctorate in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of mechanics of materials.
• Strong understanding of advanced diagnostics in materials.
• Interest or experience in developing instrumentation and working with experimental techniques.
• Must be a U.S. citizen; proof of citizenship is required upon hire.
• Full CV, one-page research statement, representative journal publication, and contact information for at least three professional references are required with the application.

Nice To Haves

• Strong presentation skills.
• Capability to support research guidance of a team of students.
• Excellent communication skills with external collaborators, including industry partners and scientists.

Responsibilities

• Support the project’s technical direction and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Collaborate with Argonne National Laboratory colleagues and industry partners, and facilitate communication and knowledge exchange among the project team.
• Lead the materials aspects of designing and developing a ground materials test facility for hypersonic applications.
• Oversee technical operation, training, and use of ERAU manufacturing equipment, including the Spark Plasma Sintering system and high-temperature heater equipment.
• Coordinate integration of the test facility with existing synchrotron facilities.
• Oversee procurement, installation, and commissioning of equipment and technologies, and conduct facility validation and verification testing.
• Develop research approaches and experimental protocols for hypersonic materials testing under varied conditions.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using advanced computational methods and software.
• Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students, including providing guidance on research methods and professional development.
• Develop training materials and procedures for safe and effective facility operation; organize workshops and seminars.
• Present findings at national conferences, workshops, and symposia; publish research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Engage industry partners to translate research findings into practical applications and innovations.
• Support management of project timelines, budgets, and deliverables in coordination with principal investigators and funding agencies.
• Prepare progress reports and stakeholder updates, and ensure compliance with institutional, federal, and safety regulations.
• Coordinate integration of the test rig at Argonne National Laboratory, including multiple extended visits.

Benefits

• 100% tuition coverage for the employee for one undergraduate and one graduate degree.
• Discounted tuition rates for the employee’s spouse and dependent children up to age 26.
• ERAU contributes 6% of base salary to the retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution, with no vesting period.
• Up to 18 days of paid leave in the first year, including 3 days granted upon hire and 15 days accrued throughout the year.
• 9 or more paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree