Xiaolin Zheng

Stanford University’s Z-Energy Lab in the Department of Mechanical Engineering is recruiting a Postdoctoral Scholar to lead experimental research on the particle-resolved combustion of advanced energetic composite microparticles . The project focuses on connecting interfacial thermochemistry , 2D additives , and ignition behavior in functionalized solid fuels, with the goal of producing validation-grade datasets and mechanism-discriminating scaling laws for high-fidelity CFD validation. Research areas and methods: advanced non-intrusive optical diagnostics for micro-scale flames, including Digital Holographic Interferometry (DHI) and Laser Absorption Imaging (LAI) ; combustion regime identification; reaction-zone resolution; predictive scaling laws; and comparison against bulk strand burner experiments. 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, experimental reactors, and data analysis using MATLAB, Python, C++, or similar tools is expected. Experience with energetic materials, metallic fuel ignition, Cantera/Chemkin, and standard energetic characterization methods is desirable. Funding: the appointment is for one year with potential renewal up to three years, and the salary follows Stanford’s required minimum for postdoctoral scholars (FY27 minimum: $79,056). How to apply: email Prof. Xiaolin Zheng directly at [email protected] with a CV, a brief statement of relevant experience, a research interests/career goals statement, three references, and 2–3 representative publications. Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States.

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.