Post-Doctoral Associate

Post-Doctoral Associate
Mechanics, Statistical Physics, and Disordered Materials

About the Job

Professor Hudson Borja da Rocha is seeking a post-doctoral associate to join his research group in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering at the University of Minnesota. The position will focus on research at the interface of nonlinear mechanics, statistical mechanics, and disordered materials. Central themes may include mechanical instabilities, localization, fracture and damage, collective response in heterogeneous systems, and how material, geometric, or multiphysical disorder controls emergent mechanical behavior.

The postdoctoral associate will have substantial independence in developing theoretical, computational, and experimentally connected research directions while working with Professor Rocha, students in the group, and collaborators across mechanics, materials, and physics. The anticipated start date is September 1, 2026, or as mutually agreed and subject to completion of the University hiring process.

Position Duties

80% Research

• Develop analytical, computational, and reduced-order models for problems in nonlinear mechanics, statistical mechanics, and disordered or heterogeneous mechanical systems.
• Investigate how material heterogeneity, geometric disorder, loading conditions, or multiphysical effects influence collective response, localization, failure, and critical behavior.
• Design and interpret numerical studies and, where appropriate, help connect theory and computation with experiments, data, or validation studies.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, technical reports, and material for research proposals.

10% Mentoring and Research Coordination

• Work collaboratively with graduate and undergraduate students in the research group through technical discussions, code/model review, and manuscript development.
• Coordinate with internal and external collaborators across mechanics, materials, physics, and related areas.
• Contribute to a rigorous and well-documented research workflow, including shared code, simulation data, figures, and project notes.

10% Group and Professional Citizenship

• Participate in group meetings, one-on-one meetings with Professor Rocha, departmental seminars, and relevant professional development or training sessions.
• Maintain responsible conduct of research and follow applicable University safety, data, and collaboration policies.
• Contribute to an inclusive, collegial, and intellectually ambitious research environment.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related field by the start date.
• Strong background in solid mechanics, structural mechanics, computational mechanics, statistical physics, or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and communicate technical results in written and oral form.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in nonlinear mechanics, solid or structural mechanics, fracture/damage, mechanical instabilities, disordered materials, statistical mechanics, or critical phenomena.
• Experience with analytical modeling, reduced-order models, numerical simulation, finite element methods, optimization, or statistical-mechanics-based approaches.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages or scientific-computing environments, such as Python, MATLAB, Julia, C/C++, or comparable tools.
• Interest in connecting theory and computation with experiments, materials, structures, or multiphysics when appropriate.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and ability to contribute to high-quality manuscripts, reports, presentations, and proposals.
• Ability to mentor students and work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering resides within the College of Science & Engineering. More information about the department can be found at https://cse.umn.edu/cege

Pay Range: $62,232 per year depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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