Companies you'll love to work for
Search Central New York jobs and find the career you were made for
Postdoctoral Researcher - Mechanical Engineering
Other Engineering · Full-time
USD 62,400-62,400 / year
Posted on Oct 1, 2026
Posting Details
Posting Details
| Job # | 079022 |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Postdoctoral Researcher - Mechanical Engineering |
| Location | Syracuse, NY |
| Campus | Syracuse, NY |
| Commitment to On-Campus Experience | Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy. |
| Pay Range | $62,400 |
| Pay Determination | Salary offers at Syracuse University will be based on education, experience, and relevant skills, as well as the academic or professional discipline of the position in the context of the home department, school, or college. Salary offers may also be influenced by prior relevant work or industry experience, where applicable. Faculty pay ranges are for 8.5 months’ salary unless otherwise specified. |
| FLSA Status | Exempt |
| Hours | As determined by University |
| Job Type | Full-time |
| Rank | Post Doc |
| Unionized Position Code | PD |
| Job Description | The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead the modeling and simulation work on bioinspired self-burying seed carriers for forest regeneration. The work centers on the coupling between hygroscopic actuation in soft active materials, large deformation and instability of slender structures, and the response of granular soil to a penetrating body. The position is part of an NSF-funded collaborative project with the University of California Berkeley, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell University. This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by a union, SEIU Local 200 United. |
| Qualifications | PhD in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, materials science, physics, or a closely-related discipline. |
| Job Specific Qualifications |
|
| Responsibilities | The candidate will develop and validate models of seed carrier actuation and carrier-soil interaction, calibrate those models against laboratory and field measurements, build an integrated simulation platform for design exploration, and work with the manufacturing and field testing groups on the project. The candidate will also help the PI to mentor students. |
| Physical Requirements | Not Applicable |
| Tools/Equipment | Not Applicable |
| Application Instructions | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references. |
| About Syracuse University | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu. |
| About the Syracuse area | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal. |
| EEO Statement | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities. |
| Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members. |
| Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect. |
| Quick Link | https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/114677 |
| Job Posting Date | 09/30/2026 |
| Application Deadline | |
| Open Until Filled | Yes |
| Priority Consideration | |
| Job Category | Faculty |
| Message to Applicants |
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
- Reference List
- Research Statement
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * How did you first find out about this position?
- sujobopps.com (Syracuse University Online Employment website)
- Syracuse University HR Recruiter
- Virtual Career Fair (via NYS Department of Labor)
- SUNY EOC (Equal Opportunity Center)
- Women’s Opportunity Center
- Jubilee Homes
- Syracuse Northeast Community Center
- Interfaith Works
- JobPlus
- Syracuse.com
- Chronicle of Higher Education
- HigherEdJobs.com
- HERC (HERC Higher Ed Recruitment Consortium)
- InsideHigherEd.com
- Indeed.com
- DiverseEducation.com (Diverse Issues in Higher Education website)
- LinkedIn Job Posting
- Job Fair
- Search Firm
- Referred by an SU Employee
- Other
- If "other", please describe how you first found out about this position.
(Open Ended Question)