Open Postdoctoral position, faculty mentor Xiaolin Zheng

The Z-Energy Lab in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to lead experimental research on the particle-resolved combustion of advanced energetic composite microparticles. This project aims to establish an experimentally grounded framework connecting interfacial thermochemistry and 2D additives to ignition behavior in functionalized solid fuels, ultimately generating validation-grade datasets to drive mechanism-discriminating scaling laws. The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Develop, setup and apply advanced, non-intrusive optical diagnostics tailored for micro-scale flames, specifically Digital Holographic Interferometry (DHI) and Laser Absorption Imaging (LAI).
• Interpret results to identify combustion regimes and resolve reaction zones, establishing geometrically well-constrained test cases for high-fidelity CFD validation.
• Synthesize micro-scale parameters into predictive scaling laws, validated against bulk strand burner experiments.
• Mentor PhD students, publish research in leading peer-reviewed journals, and engage regularly with project sponsors and collaborators to ensure effective technology transfer.

• PhD in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, applied physics, chemistry, or a closely related discipline.

• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in the development and deployment of advanced, non-intrusive optical/laser diagnostics in reacting flows (DHI/Interferometry and LAI/Absorption Spectroscopy preferred).

• Demonstrated experience with high-speed imaging, data acquisition, and complex optical alignment using lasers and advanced detectors.

• Experience processing dense experimental datasets, image series, or complex spectroscopy using languages such as MATLAB, Python, C++, or equivalent tools (e.g., Abel inversions, tomographic algorithms).

• Ability to design, troubleshoot, and safely operate experimental reactors involving flammable solids/gases, high temperatures, and high-power lasers.

• Strong record of peer-reviewed publication and evidence of the ability to independently plan, execute, analyze, and report research.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills suitable for technical academic and governmental audiences.

  Other Desirable Experience:

• Direct experience with metallic fuel ignition and combustion (Boron or Aluminum), solid propellant formulations, or energetic composite materials.

• Familiarity with materials synthesis relevant to energetics, such as polymer binders, metal nanoparticles, 2D nanomaterials (GO, MXene), or surface functionalization chemistry.

• Experience with chemical-kinetic software such as Cantera, Chemkin, or equivalent tools.

• Knowledge of standard energetic characterization methods (e.g., TGA, DSC, SEM, bomb calorimetry, strand burners).

• Familiarity with automated experimentation, data acquisition systems, and reactor control.

• A curriculum vitae.

• A brief statement describing relevant experience, specifically highlighting expertise in optical diagnostics development and combustion.

• A brief statement of research interests and career goals.

• Contact information for three professional references.

• Pdf of two to three representative publications.