Position Title: Postdoc Research Associate in Experimental Thermal/Fluids Sciences Appointment Type: Post Doc/Trainee Job Description: Summary of
Duties
and
Responsibilities
The Department of Aerospace Engineering seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to contribute to research activities within the Experimental Thermal/Fluids Sciences Laboratory. The successful candidate will support cutting-edge research and assist in the day-to-day operation of the laboratory. This postdoctoral appointment will work in the following areas: Conduct fundamental research in the areas of: Plasma thermodynamics Multiphase flow dynamics Machine learning applications for multiphase flow modeling and prediction Assist the laboratory director with daily laboratory operations, including the supervision and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students. Prepare technical reports and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at national and international conferences. Contribute to the development of competitive research proposals and other grant-related activities in collaboration with the laboratory director. Required Minimum
Qualifications
PhD or doctoral degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
Preferred Qualifications
Documented background in experimental thermal-fluids sciences. Research experience in one or more of the following areas: plasma thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer, multiphase flows, or machine learning-based multiphase flow dynamics and control. Strong written and oral communication skills, as demonstrated through scholarly publications and the cover letter. Department/Program & College Description: Iowa State has a long history of educational and research excellence in aerospace engineering. This includes training students for engineering careers in aviation starting as early as 1928, housing one of five NASA centers of excellence in Computational Fluid Dynamics in the 1970’s, building the world’s first Tornado and Downburst simulator, and housing the only university icing research wind tunnel in the United States. Over the years, our graduates have distinguished themselves in the aerospace profession. Aerospace Engineering students at Iowa State take a rigorous curriculum in core aerospace engineering sciences and design, and have numerous opportunities to pursue hands-on work both inside and outside the department. Department Unit/Website: Department of Aerospace Engineering – College of Engineering, Iowa State University Application Instructions: To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: Resume/Curriculum Vitae Letter of Application/Cover Letter Why Choose Iowa State University? Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as: Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa) Life insurance and long-term disability Flexible Spending Accounts Various voluntary benefits and discounts Employee Assistance Program Wellbeing program Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485. Proposed Start Date: September 1, 2026 Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Pay Grade: Post Docs Original Posting Date: July 17, 2026 Posting Close Date: August 27, 2026 Job Requisition Number: R19619 Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu. General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications. Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub. By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work. All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu. If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942. General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.