How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
The Materials Science and Engineering Department is seeking a Research Fellow who will be tasked with working on a new Ford-sponsored project developing and characterizing new aluminum alloys for advanced automotive high pressure die castings. Self-motivated candidates with a strong background in microstructure characterization, particularly emphasizing advanced TEM and STEM techniques and Calphad alloy design are encouraged to apply.
Who We Are
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Responsibilities*
The Research Fellow in this role will be responsible for experimental work, data analysis, and communication of these results including oral presentations and written papers and ensuring all the data and meta-data are recorded and stored in the Materials Commons platform.
- Specific tasks that may be assigned include:
Preparing metallographic specimens for microstructural and mechanical analysis; preparing S/TEM specimens for microstructural analysis. - Performing microstructural analysis via optical and scanning electron microscopy techniques, including electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), energy dispersive microscopy (EDS), image quantification, correlative microscopy, and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Prior experience is desirable but not required given a strong background in at least one of the above techniques.
- Performing microstructural analysis via scanning/transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) of precipitate structures and compositions. Prior experience is required.
- Using Thermo-Calc software and in-house-developed Matlab codes to model solidification segregation, homogenization/phase dissolution during heat treatment, precipitation, and yield strength.
Required Qualifications*
Candidates must have the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Strong oral and written communication skills are required. Candidates should possess a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering or a related field. Demonstrated experience in use of advanced TEM / STEM microscopy is required.
Desired Qualifications*
Experience in use of commercial CALPHAD models for phase equilibria calculations and alloy design is highly desirable. Expertise in light alloys including precipitate evolution is also highly desired.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.