Postdoctoral Fellow - Transmission Electron Microscopy, Texas Materials Institute, Cockrell School of Engineering The Postdoctoral Fellow will lead research in AI-driven and self-driving transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as part of the advanced materials characterization and autonomous discovery initiatives within the Texas Materials Institute (TMI) at The University of Texas at Austin. This position focuses on developing the next generation of intelligent electron microscopy systems that integrate machine learning, robotic control, and real-time data analysis to achieve autonomous imaging and interpretation of complex materials systems. This position will operate as a core part of a larger AI-robotic materials discovery program at TMI that couples liquid-phase synthesis, high-throughput sample processing, and autonomous characterization. The TEM postdoctoral fellow will collaborate with companion postdocs specializing in liquid-phase synthesis and thin-film formation, integrating structural characterization directly with compositional and processing data streams. The Postdoctoral Fellow will be expected to lead and publish independent research, collaborate across disciplines of materials science, electron microscopy, chemistry, and data science, and contribute to the mentorship of graduate students and junior researchers. Additional responsibilities include developing new experimental protocols, contributing to multi-PI proposals, and helping define the architecture for fully autonomous electron microscopy systems. This position offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of AI-driven discovery science, operating at the interface between robotic automation, advanced electron microscopy, and intelligent materials design.
Responsibilities:
Develop and implement self-driving TEM workflows that integrate machine learning, computer vision, and automated microscope control for autonomous imaging, focusing, and data acquisition. Advance AI-assisted image interpretation, including atomic structure recognition, defect classification, and dynamic process tracking using deep-learning and physics-informed models. Integrate TEM operations with robotic sample handling, including the design, testing, and deployment of a robot-arm–based TEM grid-loading and exchange system for continuous, unattended operation. Collaborate with postdoctoral fellows in liquid-phase synthesis and microdroplet printing to establish seamless sample transfer pipelines from synthesis to TEM analysis, enabling high-throughput, correlative characterization. Develop and optimize sample preparation methods compatible with microdroplet-printed thin films, nanoparticle arrays, and electrochemical catalyst systems, ensuring reproducible and contamination-free data. Link real-time TEM data streams to digital twin and AI platforms, using cloud-based computation for adaptive experiment control, hypothesis generation, and structure–property modeling. Publish high-impact research, present findings at international conferences, and contribute to proposal development for new AI-in-microscopy and autonomous discovery initiatives. Mentor graduate students and research staff, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between materials science, data science, and robotics. Collaborate with the Texas Materials Institute's instrumentation and AI engineering teams to help define the architecture for next-generation autonomous TEM facilities at UT Austin. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Ph. D. in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related field, conferred within three (3) years before the start date of the appointment Demonstrated experience conducting independent research in a relevant area of materials science or engineering Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment Commitment to mentoring and contributing to the academic development of graduate and undergraduate students Salary$61,093
Working Conditions:- May work around standard office conditions
- Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
- Use of manual dexterity
- Required Materials
- Resume/CVLetter of interest3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
