Post-Doctoral Fellow, Mechanical & Materials Engineering
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Worcester, MA, USA
- Dec 11, 2025
Job Description
JOB TITLE
Post-Doctoral Fellow
LOCATION
Worcester
DEPARTMENT NAME
Mechanical & Materials Engineering - JM
DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
One opening is available now for a postdoctoral researcher on optical fiber sensor development. The proposed optical fiber sensors will enable differentiation of complex mixtures of gasses and aromas, with potential applications ranging from the food industry, pharmaceutical industry, advanced manufacturing, and defense purposes.
The project is sponsored by U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), and the technology has been attracting interests from various industrial members in the food and pharma industries, with one company in the process of licensing this technology from WPI. The postdoc researcher will be mentored closely while being granted their own freedom of pursuing new ideas, providing that the progress on the sponsored project is satisfactory. The training of the postdoc will benefit from sophisticated experiences on multidisciplinary research topics and extensive facilities available in the research group. The postdoc will have opportunities to collaborate closely and interact periodically with experts from these industrial sectors and from the Army. In addition, the postdoc will be able to take advantages of the industrial and academic connections through the WPI/UIUC Center for Advanced Research in Drying (https://www.dryingresearch.org/).
JOB DESCRIPTION
The specific job responsibilities include research activities, coordinating monthly meetings with sponsors, and writing reports and publications. The postdoc is expected to lead research activities including fiber sensor design and fabrication, fiber tip customization, numerical simulation on optical modes in waveguides (mainly in COMSOL Multiphysics), in-lab sensor characterization, and in-the-field sensor demonstration.
Requirements
The requirements for the candidates include 1) US citizenship or permanent residency, 2) strong hands-on skills and a trackable publication record on optical fibers or optical sensor development, 3) a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related majors. The existing funding is for one year with a high likelihood to continue after the first year.
To apply please include:
- Cover Letter
- CV
- Contact information of 3 referees
Position is open until filled, and the review of applications has already started.
Compensation: $65,000 annual. This position is supported through external funding.
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.
To apply, visit: https://wpi.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WPI_External_Career_Site/job/Worcester/Post-Doctoral-Fellow_R0003256
About WPI
WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.
Diversity & Inclusion at WPI
WPI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in a competitive, global marketplace.
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Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), a global leader in project-based learning, is a distinctive, top-tier technological university founded in 1865 on the principle that students learn most effectively by applying the theory learned in the classroom to the practice of solving real-world problems. Today, WPI recognizes the essential nature of preparing and supporting future scientists, engineers, and business leaders in their journeys to become the empathetic, collaborative, and resourceful STEM professionals the world needs now.
WPI’s award-winning, pioneering project-based and globally engaged curriculum engages students in solving important scientific, technological, and societal problems throughout their education—on campus and at more than 50 project centers in the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. In both academics and research, undergraduate and graduate students pursue interdisciplinary collaboration with each other, with faculty across WPI’s four schools, and with public and private partners to develop broad-scope solutions to socially relevant problems.
More than 70 PhD, master's, bachelor’s, and certificate programs are offered both on campus and online, providing flexible options and opportunities for students to advance their careers and succeed in today’s—and tomorrow’s—world.
To see additional information about our job opening(s) or to apply, click on the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of our job posting(s).
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Applicants with dual-career considerations can find university jobs, such as professor jobs, dean jobs, and other faculty jobs and higher ed jobs with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute and with other colleges and universities in the region on AcademicCareers.com
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