"McKnight Postdoctoral Associate - UMD Swenson College of Science and Engineering"

About the Job

McKnight Postdoctoral Associate
The Swenson College of Science and Engineering (SCSE) (https://scse.d.umn.edu/) at the University of Duluth (UMD) (https://www.d.umn.edu/) has funding available to support multiple McKnight Teaching Postdoctoral Fellows within the engineering and computer science programs (Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering). This two-year fellowship also includes a research fund for the Fellow to spend on supplies and travel. The McKnight Fellow will be expected to teach one course per semester and carry out research under the mentorship of an engineering professor. The teaching assignment is open for any area of engineering or computer science. Importantly, upon identifying a Fellow and through discussions with them, the PI will provide a mentoring plan that describes the strategy for the Fellow to develop the research, teaching, and mentorship skills necessary for a successful career.

Please contact the potential mentor directly (for specific research projects see: https://z.umn.edu/2025-26McKnightPostdocMentors) or Associate Dean Erin Sheets (edsheets@d.umn.edu) for further information. The anticipated start date for the McKnight Postdoctoral Fellows is the beginning Summer 2026 or later. This is a two-year position with further appointments contingent upon performance and availability of funding.

Potential Postdoctoral Mentors

Civil and Environmental Engineering (https://scse.d.umn.edu/departments-and-programs/civil-engineering-department)
Manik Barman, Abdullah Haroon, Mary Christiansen, Michael Pluimer

Computer Science (https://scse.d.umn.edu/departments-and-programs/computer-science)
Md Momen Bhuiyan, Arshia Khan

Electrical and Computer Engineering (https://scse.d.umn.edu/departments-and-programs/electrical-engineering-department)
Jing Bai, Peng Fang

Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (https://scse.d.umn.edu/departments-and-programs/mechanical-industrial-engineering-department)
Abigail Clarke-Sather, Brian Hinderliter, Hessam Mirgolbabaei, Harish Palnitkar, Yunxing Su, Ping Zhao

Job Duties

Teaching (50%): Teach two courses annually (one per semester) in the assigned department(s), depending on qualifications. Develop course content as needed.

Research (50%): Participate in ongoing engineering-related research projects. Co-author and present research papers in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Co-author grant proposals to internal and external agencies. Participate in collaborative meetings with internal and external faculty members. Supervise undergraduate and Master’s students.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD in one of the engineering sciences (Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering) that has been completed by the start date.
• A demonstrated ability to independently design and carry out research projects resulting in publications.
• An ability to teach undergraduate or graduate courses in engineering or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

• Highly motivated team player.
• Passionate about teaching.
• Fluent in spoken and written English with good writing skills.

Pay and Benefits

Annual Pay: $61,008.00 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online at https://hr.umn.edu/; search for Job ID 370848. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To complete the application, please submit the following PDF files: (1) a cover letter (please indicate which faculty mentor(s) you are interested in working with); (2) a CV/resume; (3) contact information for three professional references; (4) a teaching/research philosophy; and (5) Please describe how you have helped build a supportive and inclusive community in your educational work and previous roles. You may include examples from teaching or mentoring, working with colleagues, participating in department or campus initiatives, or community engagement. Also, please share how you would continue this work in this role.

Applications missing any of these documents may not be reviewed.

Application review will begin December 4, 2025, and continue until the positions are filled. Applicants must be able to demonstrate authorization to work in the United States at the University of Minnesota Duluth by the start date. Final candidates may be asked to provide additional information.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.