Research Scientist III

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Nondestructive Evaluation (CNDE) at Iowa State University is seeking a Research Scientist III to lead and support innovative research in experimental ultrasonics and nondestructive evaluation (NDE). This role will focus on developing and conducting ultrasonic measurements and imaging techniques using immersion, contact, and non-contact transducers to address real-world challenges across a variety of industries. The successful candidate will collaborate with industry sponsors, government partners, faculty, researchers, and students to advance ultrasonic NDE technologies and microstructure characterization methods. The Research Scientist III will lead experimental research efforts, develop sponsored research proposals, design and validate experiments, analyze results, and publish findings in scholarly journals and conferences. Additional responsibilities include mentoring students, managing and upgrading ultrasonic laboratory equipment, supporting instructional activities, engaging with sponsors and professional organizations, and helping shape future research directions for CNDE. This position requires strong technical expertise, the ability to work independently, and a commitment to advancing the field of ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience
Strong technical expertise
Ability to work independently
Commitment to advancing the field of ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation
Legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience in the basic theory of ultrasonic methods and wave propagation for a wide range of materials for a variety of NDE applications including imaging and materials characterization
Demonstrated experience with ultrasonic measurement hardware, including transducers, motion-control systems, robots, or drones
Experience with project management
High working knowledge and experience with various relevant ultrasonic measurement equipment
M.S. degree (or higher) in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, materials engineering, or a closely related field
Ability to work on projects with access restrictions.

Responsibilities

Lead and support innovative research in experimental ultrasonics and nondestructive evaluation (NDE).
Develop and conduct ultrasonic measurements and imaging techniques using immersion, contact, and non-contact transducers.
Collaborate with industry sponsors, government partners, faculty, researchers, and students.
Advance ultrasonic NDE technologies and microstructure characterization methods.
Lead experimental research efforts.
Develop sponsored research proposals.
Design and validate experiments.
Analyze results.
Publish findings in scholarly journals and conferences.
Mentor students.
Manage and upgrade ultrasonic laboratory equipment.
Support instructional activities.
Engage with sponsors and professional organizations.
Help shape future research directions for CNDE.