Post-Doctoral Fellow, Aerospace Engineering AF

Position Summary

The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Fellow position to join Prof. Jamey Jacob’s aerospace research group. This is an initial six-month appointment with the possibility to renew based upon available funding. The successful candidate will lead and conduct research focused on plasma flow control and uncrewed aircraft systems. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with both academic and industry partners.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in fluid dynamics, plasma dynamics, single dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators, marine observations, and uncrewed aircraft systems. Key responsibilities include conducting independent research, managing ongoing research projects, contributing to proposal development and peer‑reviewed publications, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. The candidate will perform scholarly work on numerical modeling and experimental testing on both system and component levels, including plasma actuators, particle image velocimetry, and flight control.

The candidate will also build and develop prototypes and demonstration systems, acquire data, conduct data analysis, and perform the corresponding reporting to research sponsors.

• 60% – Research
  • Carry out independent research in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering on assigned ongoing research projects.
  • Design and develop research experiments to achieve research goals.
  • Analyze and evaluate data, utilizing specialized techniques and drawing technical inferences.
• 30% – Proposal Development & Professional Service
  • Manuscript writing for publications in scientific journals.
  • Proposal and grant writing to attract research funding.
  • Oral presentations during lab meetings.
  • May attend conference seminars.
  • Supervise (0‑3) undergraduate research students and/or mentor graduate research assistants (0‑2).
• 10% – Student Mentoring
  • Train and supervise students in experimental and modeling techniques.
  • Guide data analysis and review technical documentation.
  • Provide support on publications, presentations, and research communication.

• Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field.
• Experience with control and estimation, flight dynamics, relative navigation, spacecraft design, and orbital debris.
• Demonstrated ability in planning and constructing experimental facilities.
• Experience supervising students and effectively communicating complex technical concepts.
• Strong record of scholarly research, with publications in peer‑reviewed journals and conferences.
• Must be able to lift over 40 lbs.

Salary will be commensurate with education, experience, qualifications and contingent on available funding. OSU offers a variety of benefits to Post‑Doctoral candidates who are appointed at 0.75% FTE or greater for a period of six months or longer. These benefits include standard health care insurance and life insurance. Information on benefits can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The process of reviewing applications will begin soon and will continue until a successful candidate is selected. Applications will be accepted online at .

Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Jamey Jacob at jdjacob.

All positions are subject to the availability of funding, and any offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation in the application process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To request an accommodation, please email eeo or call 405‑744‑5449.