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Job Description
The School of Mechanical, Industrial and Materials Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno, is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher to work at the intersection of machine learning, manufacturing, and engineering design under the supervision of Professor Sara Shonkwiler.
The position will focus on developing data-driven methods to help engineers improve part design, manufacturability, and mechanical performance. Our research asks a broad question: How can we effectively leverage the growing amount of engineering data to improve the design and manufacturing of mechanical systems? The lab's overarching goal is to improve the manufacturing product-development cycle by developing data-driven tools that assist engineers while rigorously evaluating when and how machine learning provides meaningful advantages over conventional engineering approaches.
The Postdoctoral Researcher will work closely with Dr. Shonkwiler and have opportunities to lead research projects, develop new research ideas, publish scholarly work, contribute to grant proposals, collaborate with academic and industry partners, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
This is a full-time, one-year appointment, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. The anticipated start date is01/01/2027 or as soon as possible.
Potential Research Areas
The postdoctoral researcher will have flexibility to shape their research within the broader goals of the lab. Potential projects include:
- Machine learning for CAD and 3D geometry, including investigating how representations such as voxel grids, meshes, point clouds, and other geometric representations affect model performance and data efficiency.
- Data-driven manufacturability and part-quality prediction, particularly for metal additive manufacturing and other advanced manufacturing processes.
- Machine-learning surrogate models for engineering simulation, including predicting stress, distortion, or other mechanical responses traditionally evaluated using computationally expensive FEA.
- Generative AI for engineering design and CAD, including methods for generating engineering geometries that satisfy manufacturing and performance constraints.
- Closed-loop design and analysis, where generated or modified CAD models are automatically evaluated using data-driven engineering models and iteratively improved. This design-generation → engineering-analysis → redesign loop is a major long-term research direction for the lab.
- Engineering machine-learning datasets and benchmarking, including understanding the effects of dataset size, geometric representation, model architecture, and training methodology on predictive performance. The lab's existing work includes a database of more than 500,000 real-world mechanical parts represented in multiple geometric formats.
The exact research direction can be tailored to the postdoctoral researcher's background and interests.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, computer science, or a closely related field.
- Completion of a doctoral degree in the appropriate discipline is required.
- The doctoral degree must have been completed within the five years immediately preceding the first date of appointment as a postdoctoral fellow at the University.
- The individual cannot have held previous positions in the professional ranks.
Preferred Qualifications
Strong candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Data-driven manufacturing research
- Machine learning/deep learning
- 3D machine learning, including voxel-, mesh-, or point-cloud-based methods
- CAD and computational geometry
- Finite element analysis/computational mechanics
- Additive manufacturing
- Generative AI or generative design
- Scientific computing and Python/PyTorch
Candidates do not need experience in all of these areas. Applicants with strong expertise in either machine learning/computational methods or manufacturing/mechanical engineering who are interested in expanding into the other area are encouraged to apply.
Compensation Grade
Postdoctoral Scholar
To view the salary schedule for this position, please visit: Salary Schedules.
Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience.
Contact Information
Questions about the position may be directed to: Dr. Sara Shonkwiler – sshonkwiler@unr.edu
About the School
Join a faculty of 32 in the School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Materials Engineering focused on advancing national efforts in space exploration, manufacturing, robotics, autonomous vehicles, as well as developing the systems and processes to best utilize our natural resources, including critical materials. Our school is home to George W. Gillemot Aerospace Program, established in 2023 with a $36 million gift. The new $100-million William N. Pennington Engineering Building houses an ISO-5 (CLASS 100) cleanroom. School resources include access to the University’s High Performance Computing facility and secured space for the new aerospace and industrial engineering programs. In addition, the school is developing new Industrial Engineering facilities to support a Smart Factory/Flexible Manufacturing System learning environment, including space for industrial automation equipment, student work areas, vision systems, and related manufacturing and logistics training platforms.
About the College
Join the College of Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno.
We value faculty and staff as partners in our mission to deliver outstanding education, research and engagement. Our college seeks individuals committed to:
- Engaging in impactful outreach
- Providing state-of-the-art education
- Fostering respect, inclusiveness and diversity
Nevada Engineering is a fast-growing college, with research expenditure that has doubled over the past nine years. Supported by an Engineering Research Office, the college recorded $24 million in expenditures in FY26 and offers professional development resources to ensure success. We offer bachelor’s, graduate degrees and certificates through three schools:
- Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering
- Computer Science, Electrical, and Biomedical Engineering
- Mechanical, Industrial, and Materials Engineering
Our specialized facilities include the Center for Civil Engineering Earthquake Research, Cybersecurity Center, the Nanofabrication Lab in the Davidson Foundation Cleanroom and the Nevada Water Innovation Institute. Located near the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center and offering ready access to the bustling California economy, Nevada Engineering collaborates with leading tech firms and advance research in robotics, AI, battery technology, aerospace, water systems and sustainable energy.
Exempt
YesFull-Time Equivalent
100.0%Required Attachment(s)
Please note, once you submit your application the only attachment/s viewable to you will be the attachment/s to the resume/CV section of the application. Any additional required attachment/s to the cover letter, references, additional documents sections of the application, will not be viewable to you after you submit your application. All uploaded attachment/s will be on the application for the committee to review. To request updates to attachments, prior to the committee review of applications, please contact the candidate helpdesk at jobs@unr.edu.
Please attach the following documents to your application
1) Curriculum Vitae
2) A brief statement of research interests describing your background and the research directions you would be most interested in pursuing in the lab.
3) Contact Information for two to three professional references.
4) Two representative publications (ideally first author)
This posting is open until filled
Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. This search will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been made.
Posting Close Date
Note to Applicant
A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.
HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified, HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member’s first day of employment.
References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.
Applicants hired on a federal contract may be subject to E-Verify.
As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.
For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.
Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.
The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person’s age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists), color, or religion (protected classes).
About Us
The University of Nevada, Reno is a leading public research university committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Founded in 1874 as Nevada’s original land-grant university, the University serves more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 63 countries.
Classified by the Carnegie® Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 (“Very High Research”) university, it is also recognized in the Carnegie® Community Engagement classification. The University is also ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the “Best National Universities” and “Best National Public Universities.” It also ranks in the top tier of the WSJ/Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the New York Times’ “Top Colleges for Economic Diversity.”
Since 2009, nearly $1 billion has been has invested in advanced labs, facilities, and residence halls on the main campus. The University is home to Nevada’s first medical school – the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and the Wayne L. Prim Campus at Lake Tahoe, where education, research, and creative work thrive in a stunning mountain setting. The University delivers on its original land-grant mission with outreach across the state through the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Nevada Small Business Development Center, the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and Wolf Pack Athletics.
The main campus is in Reno, Nevada, a burgeoning global technology hub with a vibrant midtown and downtown. Found where the high desert of the Great Basin meets the High Sierra and Lake Tahoe, the beautiful, 290-acre main campus is also a Nevada State Arboretum. The University’s physical infrastructure is expanding with ongoing construction of the newly named John Tullock Business Building, set to open in fall 2025. Groundbreaking is also planned for a new State Public Health Laboratory Building on campus, alongside the recent acquisition of 16 parcels near campus, known as “University Village,” to provide affordable housing for graduate students and early career faculty.
Collaborating with world-renowned organizations, the University fosters innovation through initiatives such as the Digital Wolf Pack partnership with Apple, which ensures equitable access to technology for students, providing new incoming freshman or transfer students with an iPad Air and accessories. Google’s TechWise initiate is an 18-month program that fully supports undergraduate students in becoming entry-level software engineers by graduation.
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that Nevada – led by the University of Nevada, Reno – was named one of the inaugural 31 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (TechHubs). Nevada was selected from a competitive pool of 489 applicants from across the United States and its territories. Nevada’s Tech Hub will strengthen America’s lithium batteries, critical elements and other electric vehicle materials industry sectors within the state.
Through its commitment to high-impact education, world-improving research and creative activity, and outreach that’s transforming Nevada’s communities and businesses, the University continues its 150-year tradition of benefitting our state, nation and world.
The University recognizes that diversity promotes excellence in education and research. The inclusive and engaged community on campus recognizes the added value that students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds bring to the educational experience.
Today, the University delivers on its original land-grant mission of access to education and knowledge by investing in the academics, facilities, support, engagement and vibrant campus life that promote our diverse students’ cognitive growth and academic achievement – all while remaining one of the best values in American higher education.
For more information, please visit the University’s website.
University of Nevada, Reno
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