University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Working Title Post Doctoral Research Associate - Soft Multifunctional Material Design and Manufacturing

Department College of Engineering-0907

Requisition Number F_250057

Posting Open Date 07/11/2025

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 08/12/2025

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The Smart Materials and Robotics Laboratory (https://smr.unl.edu/) in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering (MME) is seeking a postdoctoral research associate in soft multifunctional material design and manufacturing under the direction of Dr. Eric Markvicka. The successful candidate is expected to be highly motivated and play an active role in the leadership and growth of the lab’s research pipeline. The lab currently includes seven graduate students and several undergraduate students. The postdoc will have opportunities to be involved with funding agencies and industry needs to develop new research directions around the design, manufacturing, and characterization of novel soft multifunctional materials with applications in wearable electronics, soft robotics, and human-machine interfaces. We are looking for an ambitious researcher who is looking to use this opportunity to grow towards the next level of research. The position is renewable each year based on performance and the availability of continued funding.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research in the design, manufacturing, and characterization of novel soft multifunctional materials.
• Supervise student research assistants on a day-to-day basis and interface with collaborators.
• Organize and prepare reports for sponsors, and present progress updates to sponsors.
• Collaborate with researchers from different institutions and disciplines, including engineering, computing, and clinicians.
• Participate in manuscript writing/preparation, conference talks/posters, manuscript/proposal review, and proposal writing.

The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering (https://engineering.unl.edu/mme) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) consists of approximately 35 tenured/tenure-track faculty, 700 undergraduate students, and 150 graduate students. The College of Engineering recently moved into a new ~$80M research building. In addition, the college just opened a new $115M premier teaching and learning facility, Kiewit Hall. UNL supports an outstanding system of central facilities housing state-of-the-art instrumentation and computation capabilities within the Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience (https://ncmn.unl.edu), the Holland Computing Center (https://hcc.unl.edu), and the Nebraska Nanoengineering Core Research Facility (https://engineering.unl.edu/nercf). Opportunities for collaboration across the University of Nebraska include the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a closely related field.
• Experience with soft functional materials, stretchable electronics, soft robotics, and/or soft matter additive manufacturing.
• Demonstrated success in carrying out research and disseminating results.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with student mentoring, leadership, and proposal writing.

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Criminal History Background Check Required No

Posted Salary

How to Apply

Click “Apply for this Job” and complete faculty information form. Attach the following documents:

1. Cover letter, including career goals.
2. Curriculum vitae, including a publication list.
3. List of up to three representative publications. Please attach as “Other Document.”
4. List of up to three references, including complete contact information.

After review of applications begins, those with any missing required statements may not be given full consideration.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Eric Markvicka

eric.markvicka@unl.edu

Job Category

Job Category (old) Post Docs & Other Academic

Job Type Full-Time Temporary

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? Yes

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date 08/15/2025

Appointment End Date 08/14/2026

Organizational Location Default Location