Postdoctoral Scholar Positions in Phase- Heat Transfer in Mechanical Engineering

Position overview Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar

Salary range: Annual Starting Salary:
See table 23 for the position salary range based on experience $69,073 - $82,836.

Percent time: 100

Anticipated start: November 1, 2025

Position duration: 2 years

Open date: October 6, 2025

Next review date: Monday, Jan 19, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

The Water and Energy Technology Laboratory is recruiting for two qualified postdoctoral researchers that are self-motivated, creative and enthusiastic to work on thermal desalination and phase change heat transfer. The duties of the postdocs will include:
1) studying heat and mass transport in thermal desalination processes;
2) writing papers describing the results of the evaluations and investigations, and
3) assisting with the oversight of graduate and undergraduate assistants working on these projects.

Basic qualifications

Must have a PhD in thermal science and engineering, or related field, and research experience in phase-change heat transfer. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.

Preferred qualifications

Preference will be given to those applicants with strong backgrounds in phase-change heat transfer, and experimental heat transfer. Highly self-motivated individuals who have demonstrated the ability to conduct independent scientific research successfully are desirable.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

• Statement of Research

• Authorization to Release Information Form - As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

  "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

  Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Help contact: soe-adminopservices

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035:
Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is…