Postdoctoral Opening in Nanocomposite Simulation at University of South Florida (Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering) University of South Florida in United States

The Simmons Group at the University of South Florida is offering a postdoctoral research associate position in the Department of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering. The research focuses on molecular dynamics simulations probing the nonlinear mechanics of elastomer nanocomposites, aiming to enhance the microscopic mechanisms of nanocomposite toughness. The successful candidate will plan, execute, and analyze large-scale nanocomposite simulations, develop new computational tools for analysis of nonlinear mechanical response and energy dissipation, and mentor junior researchers in related research areas.

The Simmons Group is recognized for its cutting-edge computational research in the dynamics and mechanics of nanocomposites and other interfacially rich materials, with recent publications in top journals such as Nature, Nature Physics, and The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The group is located in Tampa, Florida, a vibrant metropolitan area on Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

The position is available as early as March 2026, with a start date no later than June 2026. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field by the start date. Experience in molecular modeling or simulation is strongly preferred, and demonstrated success in team research and mentorship will be viewed favorably.

This postdoctoral position is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, focusing on understanding nanocomposite mechanical strength. Interested candidates should contact Dr. David Simmons at [email protected] and submit a detailed CV, along with contact information for three professional references. Applications should also be submitted via the USF hiring system for Job ID 42315 at https://jobs.usf.edu/. For more information about the Simmons Group and their research, visit their laboratory webpage at https://sites.google.com/view/simmonsresearchgroup/home.