Postdoctoral Research Associate
Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi Department
College of Engineering - ENGR Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate Job Location
Corpus Christi, Texas Job Type
Staff Job Description TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies. TAMU-CC's beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities. Learn more information here ! PURPOSE The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct advanced research in salinity gradient ("blue energy") harvesting and vibration-based energy harvesting, focusing on developing next-generation self-powered sensing technologies for structural, environmental, and infrastructure applications. The position supports research projects, prototype development, lab experiments, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. RESPONSIBILITIES Research & Experimental Development : 60%
- Design and conduct experiments on salinity gradient energy harvesting, including membrane-free systems, porous carbon electrodes, electrochemical performance testing, and long-term stability evaluation.
- Develop vibration-based energy harvesting systems, including MEMS-based and macroscale variable-capacitor harvesters.
- Fabricate, characterize, and test electrode materials, sensor components, and system prototypes.
- Conduct electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry, and power density measurements.
- Lead data acquisition, signal processing, and interpretation of experimental results.
- Maintain detailed laboratory records and ensure quality control in all experiments.
- Integrate energy harvesters with wireless sensor nodes for structural health monitoring (SHM) and environmental sensing applications.
- Develop custom testbeds for vibration and salinity testing.
- Assist in designing and assembling mechanical, electrical, and electrochemical components for prototype systems.
- Support field deployment, performance evaluation, and troubleshooting of prototype devices.
- Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present research at conferences.
- Contribute to proposal writing for NSF, DOE, PHMSA, and other funding agencies.
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in energy harvesting and sensing projects.
- Collaborate with faculty, industry partners, and research sponsors to support project deliverables.
- Assist with project documentation, reporting, and compliance.
- Doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field; Advanced ABD will be considered and degree must be conferred by time of appointment.
- Experience in at least one (1) of the following: electrochemistry, porous materials, MEMS devices, vibration energy harvesting, structural health monitoring, or renewable energy systems.
- Strong experimental skills in materials characterization, electrochemical analysis, or vibration testing.
- Knowledge of energy harvesting principles, capacitor/variable-capacitor systems, or salinity gradient energy conversion.
- Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment (potentiostats, impedance analyzers, vibration shakers, etc.).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to supervise students and contribute to publications.
- Experience with membrane-free salinity gradient systems, porous carbon materials, or electrode surface modification.
- Experience with vibration shaker tables, EIS modeling, or custom sensor system design.
- Knowledge of wireless sensing, microcontrollers, or IoT data acquisition tools.
- Publications in energy harvesting, electrochemistry, or sensing-related fields.
- Experience collaborating on or preparing federal research proposals.
- Medical
- $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).
- Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:
- Employee and Spouse
- Employee and Children
- Employee and Family coverage
- Dental & Vision
- Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
- Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
- Public Loan Forgiveness
- Book scholarships
- 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).
- Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
- Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
- 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.
- 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.
- 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.
- 12-15 paid holidays each year.
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