Xiaolin Zheng
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Postdoctoral Position in Particle-Resolved Combustion and Optical Diagnostics at Stanford University Stanford University in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
One-year postdoctoral appointment with potential renewal up to three years. Expected base pay is the Stanford University required minimum for postdoctoral scholars; FY27 minimum is $79,056.
Country
United States
University
Stanford University
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About this position
Stanford University’s Z-Energy Lab in the Department of Mechanical Engineering is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to lead experimental research on the particle-resolved combustion of advanced energetic composite microparticles.
The project focuses on connecting interfacial thermochemistry and 2D additives to ignition behavior in functionalized solid fuels, with the goal of generating validation-grade datasets and mechanism-discriminating scaling laws for high-fidelity CFD validation.
Research areas and keywords: combustion, optical diagnostics, reacting flows, energetic composite microparticles, laser diagnostics, high-speed imaging, experimental reactors, thermochemistry, CFD validation, energetic materials.
What you will do: develop and apply advanced non-intrusive optical diagnostics for micro-scale flames, especially Digital Holographic Interferometry (DHI) and Laser Absorption Imaging (LAI); interpret results to identify combustion regimes and resolve reaction zones; synthesize micro-scale parameters into predictive scaling laws; mentor PhD students; publish in peer-reviewed journals; and coordinate with sponsors and collaborators.
Eligibility highlights: PhD in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, applied physics, chemistry, or a closely related field. Strong experience with optical/laser diagnostics in reacting flows, high-speed imaging, data acquisition, optical alignment, and experimental data processing is required. Experience with MATLAB, Python, C++, Abel inversions, tomographic algorithms, and safe operation of high-temperature/high-power-laser systems is highly relevant.
Preferred background: metallic fuel ignition and combustion (boron or aluminum), solid propellants, energetic composite materials, polymer binders, metal nanoparticles, 2D nanomaterials (GO, MXene), surface functionalization chemistry, Cantera/Chemkin, and energetic characterization methods such as TGA, DSC, SEM, bomb calorimetry, and strand burners.
Funding: one-year appointment with potential renewal up to three years. The postdoc pay is at least the Stanford University required minimum; FY27 minimum base pay is $79,056.
How to apply: email Prof. Xiaolin Zheng directly with a CV, a brief statement of relevant experience, a brief statement of research interests and career goals, contact information for three references, and PDFs of two to three representative publications.
Location: Stanford, California, United States.
Funding details
One-year postdoctoral appointment with potential renewal up to three years. Expected base pay is the Stanford University required minimum for postdoctoral scholars; FY27 minimum is $79,056.
What's required
PhD in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, applied physics, chemistry, or a closely related discipline. Applicants should have hands-on expertise in advanced non-intrusive optical/laser diagnostics in reacting flows, preferably DHI/interferometry and LAI/absorption spectroscopy, plus experience with high-speed imaging, data acquisition, complex optical alignment, and processing dense experimental datasets or spectroscopy using MATLAB, Python, C++, or equivalent tools. Candidates must be able to design, troubleshoot, and safely operate experimental reactors involving flammable solids/gases, high temperatures, and high-power lasers, and should have a strong publication record, independent research ability, and excellent written and oral communication skills. Desirable experience includes metallic fuel ignition and combustion, solid propellant formulations, energetic composite materials, polymer binders, metal nanoparticles, 2D nanomaterials, surface functionalization chemistry, Cantera/Chemkin, and energetic characterization methods such as TGA, DSC, SEM, bomb calorimetry, and strand burners.
How to apply
Email Prof. Xiaolin Zheng directly with the required application materials. Prepare a CV, a brief statement of relevant experience emphasizing optical diagnostics and combustion, a brief statement of research interests and career goals, contact information for three professional references, and PDFs of two to three representative publications.
More information can be found here
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