A cover letter is required for consideration and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should describe your specific interest in the position and highlight the skills and experience that directly relate to the role. 

In addition to applying through the University career site, please email your CV and cover letter to Prof. Talia Moore (taliaym@umich.edu) and Prof. Hongyi Xiao (hongyix@umich.edu) with an application deadline on March 31st, 2026. This position is initially offered for one year, with a preferred start date of May 1, 2026. Extension is possible for up to three years, contingent upon satisfactory performance.

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the interaction between bio-mimetic foot structures and granular substrates. In this role, you will perform numerical simulation and reduced-order modeling of naturally-shaped granular materials interacting with specific foot structures. You will also have the chance to perform experiments while supervising or collaborating with students.

Michigan Engineering provides scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world. We seek to improve the quality of life by developing intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, creating collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promoting an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

• Empirically characterize sand samples through shear testing, CT scanning
• CAD and 3D print models for sand intrusion 
• Design and perform impact experiments. Collect data using high-speed video, diffusing wave spectroscopy, and an accelerometer 
• Use DEM to simulate naturally-shaped grains of sand experiencing equivalent impacts
• Communicate reguarly with the team; keep data on servers up to dare; follow experiment safety protocols; coordinate with collaborators
• Attend regular meetings for both groups
• Write and submit a journal-level article and present at a national conference
• Occasionally assist with animal husbandry

• PhD in engineering, physics, or a closely related discipline
• 4+ years research experience in areas such as the jamming and deformation of granular materials, solid mechanics, and the dynamic of locomotion on soft substrates
• A strong background in computational research using Discrete Element Method and continuum mechanics simulations is preferred, while experimental skills related to high-speed imaging, X-ray imaging, data acquistion, and signal filtering are also appreciated
• Interest in the translation of fundamental physics to real-world applications

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.