<p>Position Title:</p> <p>Postdoctoral Research Associate - FluidTrans Research Group</p> <p>Appointment Type:</p> <p>Post Doc/Trainee</p> <p>Job Description:</p> <p>Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:</p> <p>A two-year postdoctoral research position with a possibility of renewal is available in the FluidTrans Research Group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University. The position is available immediately, with a flexible start date; the earliest appointment is April 1.</p> <p>The postdoctoral researcher will conduct experimental and theoretical/computational studies of viscous flow through deformable and swelling porous media, for example, hydrogel assemblies, with a focus on understanding the fundamental transport mechanisms relevant to biological systems (e.g., brain tissue, perivascular spaces, optic nerve sheath).</p> <p>Candidates with strengths in theoretical modeling, asymptotic analysis, or numerical simulations are also encouraged to apply.</p> <p>Required Minimum Qualifications:</p> <p>PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.</p> <p>Preferred Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Experimental expertise (e.g., benchtop flow, porous media, hydrogels, imaging, and microfluidics)</p> </li><li> <p>Experience with theoretical modeling, asymptotic analysis, or numerical simulations.</p> </li></ul> <p>Department/Program & College Description:</p> <p>The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University is where innovation thrives, and the impossible is made possible. This is where your passion for problem-solving and hands-on learning can make a real difference in our world. Whether you're helping improve the environment, creating safer automobiles, or advancing medical technologies and athletic performance, the Department of Mechanical Engineering gives you the tools and talent to blaze your own trail to an amazing career.</p> <p>Department Unit/Website:</p> <p>https://www.me.iastate.edu/</p> <p>https://faculty.sites.iastate.edu/saikatm/</p> <p>Proposed Start Date:</p> <p>April 1, 2026</p> <p>Proposed End Date or Length of Term:</p> <p>March 31, 2028</p> <p>Number of Months Employed Per Year:</p> <p>12 Month Work Period</p> <p>Time Type:</p> <p>Full time</p> <p>Application Instructions:</p> <p>This position will be posted until filled.</p> <p>To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:</p> <p>1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae</p> <p>2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Why Choose ISU?</p> <p>Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:</p> <ul> <li>Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans </li><li>Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans </li><li>Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa) </li><li>Flexible Spending Accounts </li><li>Various voluntary benefits and discounts </li><li>Employee Assistance Program </li><li>Wellbeing Program </li></ul> <p>Original Posting Date:</p> <p>February 17, 2026</p> <p>Posting Close Date:</p> <p>April 21, 2026</p> <p>Job Requisition Number:</p> <p>R18560</p>