The Signal Kinetics group, led by professor Fadel Adib at MIT, has a research scientist/engineer (or postdoc) opening in underwater acoustic/ultrasonic systems, particularly in the context of underwater acoustic transducer design and implementation for communication/sensing systems. Applicants are expected to have experience in designing, developing, and testing acoustic systems—such as transducers, energy harvesters, or sensors—and background in acoustic modeling.  The research will focus on developing underwater communication and sensing systems with applications to underwater climate change monitoring, marine life sensing, submarine communications, and subsea IoT.

Initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of extension based on funding and the direction of the research. 

Expected start date: Winter, Spring, or Summer 2022.

This position will be open until filled.

If you are interested in a postdoc in the group but are not aligned with this specific project, please check the Signal Kinetics website for any updates. We expect to have other postdoc openings, specifically in the areas of robotics (machine learning, manipulation, perception, and/or fabrication of miniature robots). 

Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, implement, and characterize underwater transducers and sensors.
• Evaluate the designs in underwater environments at MIT and WHOI.
• Contribute to the development of proposals for research funding and to the reporting of results to funding agencies
  
• Engage in wider research and scholarly activities with the research group

Elective Responsibilities (based on applicant's background and interests):

• Conduct research on designing novel underwater transducer designs - including retroreflective and beamforming mechanisms
• Apply signal processing principles for underwater networking, communication, sensing, and energy harvesting
• Develop wireless communication protocols and systems for underwater environments.
• Communicate results to the scientific community through publications in peer-reviewed academic publications and scholarly dissemination as directed by the PI

Qualifications

Required:

• Experience with acoustic or ultrasound transducers development, characterization, and applications
  
• Experience in evaluating transducers in practical underwater environments
• Background in underwater communication and/or sonar processing
• Ability to work independently, as well as a part of a highly collaborative interdisciplinary team, good interpersonal and communication skills
  
• Strong communication skills

Preferred:

• PhD in mechanical engineering, ocean science/engineering, electrical/electronic/communications engineering, computer science, physics, materials science, physics, or in relevant field
• Experience in piezoelectric design, theory, mathematical modeling, simulation, and implementation
• Background in signal processing and algorithms
• Background in prototyping and proficiency in using 3D printers, CNC mill, CNC lathe, laser cutters, and soldering
• Experience in energy harvesting hardware design and implementation
  
• Experience with radar signal processing and wireless communication

Interested applicants should email their CV to fadel-postdocs@mit.edu along with a short (one to two paragraph) description of their background and interest.