Postdoc Ocean Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Associate
Job no: 533019
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: College of Engineering
Department: Aerospace and Ocean Engineering
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Engineering, Research / Scientific
Job Description
The PHASE research group within the Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering at Virginia Tech invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in Hypersonic Aerodynamics. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and advancing new measurement systems for the departments Hypersonic blowdown wind tunnel, and conducting cutting-edge research into Hypersonic phenomenon. This position is based at Virginia Tech's main campus in Blacksburg, VA. Specific tasks include designing and leading wind tunnel experiments into hypersonic phenomenon, particularly turbulence in the boundary layer; developing new high-speed measurement techniques, particularly using optical diagnostics methods; augmenting experimental data with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations.
More information on Prof. Liselle Joseph and the PHASE research group can be found at the following link: https://www.aoe.vt.edu/people/faculty/liselle-joseph.html.
This role offers opportunities for teaching and service-related activities to successful candidates.
Required Qualifications
• Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering by the time of appointment
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental methods for Hypersonic testing facilities
• Expertise in one or more optical diagnostics methods for high speed flows
• Experience with Hypersonic CFD codes, such as US3D
• Proficiency in LabView
• Proficiency in MATLAB
• A proven track record of peer-reviewed publications
Preferred Qualifications
• Expertise in high-speed turbulent flows
• Experience developing novel measurement techniques in hypersonic wind tunnels such a temperature/pressure sensitive paints, infrared thermography, PLIF, FLDI etc.
• Proficiency in Python
• Experience running simulations with high performance computing (HPC) resources
• Strong communication skills
• Experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate students
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Commensurate on experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
open until filled
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Cory Thompson at coryt10@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: December 17, 2025
Applications close:
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