Postdoc Research Associate

Position Title:
Postdoc Research Associate

Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Iowa State University is seeking applications for a newly established postdoctoral research associate position focused on numerical simulation and performance evaluation of the personal protective equipment (PPE) system. This position is affiliated with the laboratories for functional textiles and protective clothing (LABS) located in the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management in the College of Human Sciences. 

LABS conducts multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary research and develops new polymers/textiles, smart materials, and clothing systems and subsystems for human safety, health, and wellbeing. LABS research is focused on human physiology, ergonomics, and the functionality of PPE systems to achieve maximum performance. The research program includes:

• Advanced simulations to predict how various environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures or smoke exposures, affect human health and safety.

• Development of models to predict the performance of PPE materials under various usage scenarios.

• Simulations to understand airflow, particle filtration, and heat transfer in and around PPE for improved performance optimization.

• Test, evaluate, predict, and analyze the performance of PPE and its materials. 

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Doctoral degree
 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Textile Sciences, Material Sciences/Engineering, Apparel Engineering, or other related fields.

• Experience in computational simulations and particle transport mechanisms, especially in areas pertinent to PPE performance.

• Experience with software tools used in simulations, such as ANSYS, COMSOL, and MATLAB.

• Experience involving human physiology and ergonomics, particularly in the context of PPE.

• Experience in textile-based research, PPE systems, or related areas.

• Experience involving PPE standards and testing protocols.

• A track record of interdisciplinary research collaborations.

• Experience in grant proposal development.

• Experience in AI and machine learning tools.

• Expertise in research data analysis and statistics.

• Member of professional organizations and reviewer for peer-reviewed journals.

Department/Program & College Description:

The research program shares in Iowa State University (ISU)’s comment and mission to create, share, and apply knowledge by effective integration of science, engineering, technology, and humanity to make the state and the world a better place. This position reports to the director of LABS, the Norma Scott Lloyd Chair of Textiles and Clothing, and the Department chair.

Department Website:

https://aeshm.hs.iastate.edu/

Proposed Start Date:
April 1, 2024

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
March 13, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans;
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans;
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Wellbeing Program.

Original Posting Date:
February 5, 2024

Posting Close Date:
February 12, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R13918