Research Assistant Professor

University of Nebraska–Lincoln, United States

Updated: 2 days ago
Location: Lincoln, NEBRASKA
Deadline: ;

Position Information
Position Information


Working Title Research Assistant Professor
Department Mechanical & Materials Engineering-1067
Requisition Number F_240011
Posting Open Date 01/24/2024
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 03/08/2024
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Description of Work
The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and Center for Electro-optics and Functionalized Surfaces (CEFS) are seeking a research assistant professor in thermal management. The multidisciplinary research program focuses on the heat transfer behavior of functionalized surfaces. Functionalization of metallic and non-metallic materials is accomplished through femtosecond laser surface processing (FLSP). The position will support several projects focused on thermal management basic research. The research assistant professor is expected to be highly motivated and play an active role in leadership and growth of CEFS into a larger collaborative research center. CEFS currently includes approximately 25 researchers (five faculty, twelve doctoral students, five MS students and many undergraduate students). The research assistant professor will be expected to pursue opportunities with federal agencies and industry to develop new research efforts around FLSP and its applications. The position is renewable each year based on performance and availability of continued funding. The position includes the following responsibilities:
  • Conduct independent research in thermal management using pool boiling and flow boiling experimental setups.
  • Organize and prepare reports for sponsors.
  • Mentor graduate and undergraduate student research assistants on a day-to-day basis and interface with collaborators.
  • Collaborate with research groups led by faculty from many different disciplines, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, and physics.
  • Participate in manuscript writing/preparation, conference talks/posters, manuscript/proposal review, and proposal writing.


The Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (http://engineering.unl.edu/mme ) consists of approximately 35 tenured/tenure-track faculty, 700 undergraduate students, and 150 graduate students. The College of Engineering has recently moved into a new ~$80M research building and will be soon moving into a new $120M teaching and learning building. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln supports an outstanding system of central facilities housing state-of-the-art instrumentation and computation capabilities within the Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience (https://ncmn.unl.edu ), the Nebraska Nanoengineering Core Research Facility (https://engineering.unl.edu/nercf ), and the Holland Computing Center (https://hcc.unl.edu ). Opportunities for collaborations across the University of Nebraska include the University of Nebraska Medical Center; the Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research; the Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience; the Center for Electro-optics and Functionalized Surfaces; the Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior; the Nebraska Athletic Performance Laboratory; the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility; Innovation Campus; and other state- and federally-funded research centers and programs.
As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. Seehttps://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination .
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. or equivalent in mechanical engineering or a closely related field.
  • Related postdoctoral research experience.
  • A strong record of scholarly achievement and the potential to support and grow an existing strong, externally funded research program in thermal management.
  • Demonstrated expertise in specific areas of interest, including micro/nanoscale and multiscale thermal transport, two-phase flow, and general thermal issues in areas that contribute to the fundamental understanding and applications of thermal transport.
  • A demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence.
Preferred Qualifications
Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Criminal History Background Check Required No
Posted Salary
How to Apply
Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the information form. Attach the following documents:
  • Cover letter.
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • Research statement.
  • A statement of how your combined professional and academic experiences have equipped you to make a valuable contribution to Inclusive Excellence, a fundamental aspect of the COE Complete Engineer Program.
  • Names and contact information for three references.


    • Please combine the statements (items 3 and 4) into a single document and attach as “Other Document.”
    For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
    Cathy Norquest
    [email protected]
    Job Category
    Job Category (old) Faculty Non-Tenure Leading
    Job Type 12 Month (Faculty Only)
    Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? Yes
    If Temporary, indicate end date
    Planned Hire Date 3/18/2024
    Appointment End Date 3/17/2025
    Organizational Location Default Location

    Similar Positions