Postdoctoral Researcher - Dynamics, Controls, and Vibrations (DynaGence Lab)

Regular About Us Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower over 50,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia . We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision . Come Take Flight at KSU! Location (Primary Location for Job Responsibilities) Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060. Department Information DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Design, fabricate, and instrument bio-inspired underwater robot testbeds, including compliant propulsors, embedded sensing, and onboard control hardware. Build and characterize acoustic metamaterial and transducer assemblies, and 3D-printed skull and tissue-mimicking phantoms for ultrasound testing. Conduct laboratory and water-tank experiments using high-speed imaging, hydrophones, accelerometers, and data acquisition systems. Perform system identification of measured nonlinear dynamics and develop physics-informed machine learning models from experimental data. Design, implement, and tune adaptive and nonlinear controllers on embedded hardware, and validate them in closed-loop operation. Develop finite element and wave-propagation models and correlate them against experimental measurements. Provide day-to-day technical supervision of one doctoral student and two undergraduate researchers, including equipment training and laboratory safety. Maintain laboratory equipment, calibration records, data management practices, and version controlled analysis code. Contribute preliminary data, figures, and technical text to federal proposals to agencies such as NSF, ONR, DARPA, AFOSR, and NIH. DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES*: ¿ Knowledge of dynamical systems, vibration, and wave propagation in solids and fluids. ¿ Skill in system identification and parameter estimation from noisy experimental time-series data. ¿ Ability to design and implement feedback control on embedded platforms such as microcontrollers and ROS. ¿ Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and Python for modeling, signal processing, and machine learning. ¿ Working knowledge of finite element analysis and acoustic or elastic wave simulation. ¿ Skill in mechanical fabrication and prototyping, including additive manufacturing and compliant structures. ¿ Ability to plan, execute, and document laboratory experiments involving water tanks, acoustic transducers, and high-speed imaging. ¿ Ability to communicate technical results in peer-reviewed manuscripts and in federal proposal text. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: (Preferred qualifications) ¿ Ph. D. in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field. Disclaimer* The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the leader, director or manager. Please provide all employees with a copy of this position description and maintain a signed copy in the employee¿s Personnel File. ¿ Research experience in acoustics, ultrasound, guided elastic waves, or vibration-based measurement. ¿ Experience with bio-inspired locomotion, soft or compliant robotics, or underwater or aerial vehicle testing. ¿ Familiarity with reservoir computing, nonlinear oscillator dynamics, or analog and neuromorphic computation. ¿ Experience with computer vision, high-speed imaging, or multi-camera motion tracking. ¿ Prior participation in federally funded research (DoD, NIH, NASA, or NSF) and contribution to proposal preparation. ¿ Teaching or formal mentoring experience consists of an academic career path. Job Summary Postdoctoral Researchers support teams of KSU faculty and students (undergraduate and graduate students), which engage with external collaborators from other universities, community members, government agencies, and/or private sector entities to stimulate innovation, capacity-building, and sustainability of research and scholarly activity at KSU. This position is considered limited-term staff since it utilizes contingent funding which is currently only secured through June 30, 2028, or 18 months from the position start date, whichever occurs first. Employment thereafter will be conditional based on continued availability of funding. Responsibilities KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Plans and executes experimental activities, data analyses, submission of reports or of manuscripts to peer-reviewed publications, and/or attendance and presentation of research findings at appropriate venues of dissemination Develops and contributes to new ideas for research proposals and directions within the research group Develops an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in collaboration with faculty mentor Generates revenue by securing grants and participates in departmental and institutional career development programs, such as grant writing workshops Prepares project budget and ensures funded project operates within budget guidelines Maintains official records and documents, and ensures compliance with institutional policies, and federal, state and local regulations Establishes working relationships and cooperative arrangements with internal and external partners Engages in research and publication Required Qualifications Educational Requirements Ph. D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g. D.V.M, Sc. D., M.D., PharmD., etc.) from an accredited institution of higher education or obtainment of doctorate degree within six (6) months of hire Preferred Qualifications Preferred Educational Qualifications An undergraduate or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field Proposed Salary The budgeted salary range is $51,600 to $60,000. Offers are based on relevant experience. Comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options, and much more! Visit hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities ABILITIES Able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment Able to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously to meet assigned deadlines KNOWLEDGE Demonstrated ability to carry out independent and collaborative research on a team of faculty and students with the ability to meet deliverables and milestones Demonstrated creative and proactive approach towards problem solving Knowledge of and experience in general analytical methods development and good analytical practices Maintains a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field SKILLS Outstanding proposal and paper writing skills Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e. Microsoft Office suite) Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette Refer to the department specific Research Addendum for additional KSA information USG Core Values The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct . Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 . Equal Employment Opportunity Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community. For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu. Other Information This is not a supervisory position. This position does not have any financial responsibilities. This position will not be required to drive. This role is not considered a position of trust. This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card). This position does not require security clearance. This position may travel 1%-24% of the time. Background Check Standard Enhanced Education Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials. https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf To apply, visit https://careers.hprod.onehcm.usg.edu/psp/careers/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=43000&JobOpeningId=304903&PostingSeq=1 je-4c74f0b5fe164b56948ef61bb43d4a17