Postdoctoral Scholar Position, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Description Postdoctoral Scholar Position Area: Advanced Materials Processing and Energy Storage Materials Supervisors: Dr. Muhammad Shehryar Khan and Dr. Sina Hejazi Duration: 1 year, with possibility of extension subject to funding Start date: January 2027 The Hybrid Advanced Materials Processing Laboratory in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Calgary invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position in advanced materials processing and energy storage materials. The successful candidate will contribute to a research project focused on early-stage materials development for solid-state hydrogen storage and thermal management architectures. The project involves experimental work in particle morphology engineering, powder/material characterization, controlled-environment screening, thermalresponse testing, and feasibility assessment of advanced material architectures. The work is at an early technology-readiness stage and requires careful experimental design, strong materials characterization skills, and a demonstrated commitment to safe laboratory practice. Key responsibilities include: Developing and executing experimental plans for morphology-engineered powder/material systems. Safely handling metal powders and hydrogen-containing experimental environments, subject to approved laboratory procedures. Conducting materials characterization using techniques such as SEM/EDS, XRD, thermal analysis, and related methods. Designing and evaluating test coupons, inserts, fixtures, and thermal-response experiments. Supporting controlled-environment screening experiments where appropriate. Coordinating with collaborators, students, technical staff, and shared facilities. Preparing technical reports, figures, datasets, manuscripts, and follow-on proposal material. Required qualifications: PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a closely related field. Strong experimental background in materials processing, powder systems, thermal testing, hydrogen/energy materials, welding/additive manufacturing, or advanced characterization. Experience with SEM/EDS, XRD, thermal analysis, powder characterization, or custom experimental setup development. Demonstrated ability to work safely with laboratory equipment, reactive materials, compressed gases, or controlled-atmosphere experiments. Strong organizational, communication, and technical writing skills. PhD must be complete before the start of the appointment. PhD must have been completed within the past 7 years. Preferred qualifications: Experience with hydrogen handling, metal hydrides, hydrogen storage materials, metal powder handling, thermal management materials, additive manufacturing, welding, or pressure/temperature-based experimental systems. Experience designing custom fixtures, test coupons, inserts, or laboratory-scale screening methods. Familiarity with safe operation of gas-handling systems, pressure-rated equipment, or controlled-environment test setups. Demonstrated ability to move quickly from experimental planning to execution, analysis, and reporting. Preference may be given to candidates who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Application details: This is intended as a one-year postdoctoral appointment. Continuation or extension may be possible subject to follow-on funding, internal support, or external/internal fellowship opportunities. The selected candidate is expected to work with the supervisors on an application for the University of Calgary VPR Postdoctoral Excellence Award by December 1, 2026. The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement. To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website. Application materials: 1-page cover letter describing relevant expertise and interest in the position; Curriculum vitae; Names and contact information for three references; One representative publication or technical writing sample. Applications and inquiries should be sent to: Dr. Muhammad Shehryar Khan Assistant Professor Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering University of Calgary Email: [email protected] Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Postdoc Careers website. About The University Of Calgary UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca. About Calgary, Alberta Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders' in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America. With a growing urban Indigenous population of approximately 50,000 people, there are several Indigenous organizations and many events and ceremonies taking place in the city throughout the year. The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do. The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary. As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).

The candidate will develop and execute experimental plans for morphology-engineered powder systems focused on solid-state hydrogen storage and thermal management. Responsibilities include conducting materials characterization, designing test fixtures, and preparing technical reports and manuscripts.

A PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical, Chemical, or Metallurgical Engineering completed within the last 7 years is required. Candidates must have a strong experimental background in materials processing and experience with characterization techniques like SEM, XRD, and thermal analysis.

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Materials Processing
• Powder Characterization
• SEM/EDS
• XRD
• Thermal Analysis
• Hydrogen Storage
• Experimental Design
• Technical Writing
• Additive Manufacturing
• Metal Hydrides
• Thermal Management
• Laboratory Safety

• Science & Research
• Engineering
• Energy
• Manufacturing
• Education

Minimum education

Master’s degree

Minimum experience

2+ years

Apply by

Sep 10, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Seniority

Internship