Postdoctoral Scholar Positions in Phase-Change Heat Transfer in Mechanical Engineering (Multiple Hire Recruitment)

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

Application Window

Open date : October 6, 2025

Next review date : Monday, Nov 17, 2025 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.

Position description

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.

Qualifications

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.

Application Requirements

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

Apply link :

https : / / aprecruit.ucmerced.edu / JPF02033

Help contact : soe-adminopservices@ucmerced.edu

About UC Merced

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 committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https : / / cie.ucmerced.edu / analytics-hub / student-statistics ), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and / or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs .

Job location

Merced, CA