Position Description

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Human Centered Design, College of Human Ecology

The Responsive Apparel Design (RAD) Lab  (https://rad.human.cornell.edu) at Cornell University is seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to join a collaborative team focused on the development of optically functional fibers and fabrics (OFFs) in an effort to make the world better off. 

Department of Human Centered Design
The Department of Human Centered Design (HCD https://www.human.cornell.edu/hcd) enriches people and their environments through transdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach. We integrate analog and digital knowledge, tools, methods and creative processes from design, humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences to address real-world challenges. Faculty and students conceptualize, prototype and evaluate products and processes that enhance human potential, well-being and community. Our graduates possess the tools, skills and strategies to become industry leaders, visionary academics and pioneering practitioners.

As part of Cornell University, a world-class research university and a partner of the State University of New York, HCD faculty have the knowledge and resources to cross fields and disciplines to enhance human thriving. We produce cutting edge knowledge and are deeply committed to using that knowledge to make a difference in people’s lives. The department has 32 faculty members, some with dual appointments that enrich our transdisciplinary approach to design.

Located in Ithaca, NY, the department has state-of-the-art equipment and facilities including studios, labs, two fabrication studios, a design materials library, 3D body scanner and multiple gallery spaces. It is a department and college priority to enhance student, faculty and alumni connections to New York City.

The department currently has 78 graduate students in eight distinct graduate programs: M.A. in Apparel Design, Ph.D. in Apparel Design, M.A. in Design, M.S. in Fiber Science, Ph.D. in Fiber Science, M.S. in Human Environment Relations, Ph.D. in Human Behavior and Design, and MPS in Human Ecology. HCD has an enrollment of 187 undergraduate students and three different majors: Design + Environmental Analysis, Fashion Design and Fashion Design Management, and Fiber Science. The department also offers five minors: Design + Environmental Analysis, Design Innovation & Strategy, Fashion Studies, Fiber Science, and Healthy Futures. Our global student body and esteemed faculty are an engaging and diverse academic community.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in materials science, polymer chemistry, and/or fiber/textile engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, fabrication, and characterization of functional materials.
• Experience with optical characterization techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, microscopy) is highly desirable.
• A strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Desired Skills:

• Experience with metamaterials and their design principles.
• Knowledge of fiber spinning techniques (e.g., electrospinning, melt spinning).

Responsibilities:

• Participate in all aspects of the research project(s), including design, fabrication, characterization, and modeling of metamaterial fibers and textiles.
• Develop and optimize fabrication processes for fibers and textiles.
• Conduct optical characterization of the developed materials and analyze the results.
• Contribute to the preparation of research manuscripts and presentations.
• Assist with the supervision of graduate and undergraduate students.

TO APPLY: Please submit, via:  https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29936

Applications will be reviewed and considered on a rolling basis.

For more information, please contact Sienna Torbitt, slt86@cornell.edu.