The postdoctoral associate/research scientist will work on a newly funded $3 million National Science Foundation Future Manufacturing project in developing a sustainability framework for manufacturing on the lunar surface. The candidate will apply methods, such as life cycle assessment, participatory modeling, multi-criteria optimization, and scenario analysis in understanding the sustainability of various in-space manufacturing techniques and development trajectories. The candidate will be co-advised by Drs. Weiwei Mo and Brad Kinsey, and work closely with research collaborators from University of New Hampshire, Purdue University, Baylor University, NASA, Astroport, and other relevant entities in developing the framework and conducting assessments. Recent advancements in the space industry have brought humanity closer than ever to exploring potential ways to utilize space resources and protect the Earth’s environment. With the emerging interests and technological advancements in in-space manufacturing (ISM), it is of utmost importance to conceptualize the fundamental principles of ISM sustainability and to guide its technological development through these principles to ensure that the pursuit of progress aligns with the goals of environmental stewardship and long-term viability. The long-term Earth and humanity benefits from ISM are beyond imagination, especially in face of the multitude of global pressing challenges related to climate change, resource depletion, environmental pollution, and population growth. As such, the overarching goal of this project is to enable a sustainable space industry that minimizes or reduces its impact on the Earth and space environments.

Successful candidates will place their major focus on achieving original first-authored publications in interdisciplinary academic journals. They will work effectively in a team environment and will value interdisciplinary collaborations. Post-doctoral fellows will have the opportunity to mentor graduate and/or undergraduate students.

Applicants must have received, or be close to receiving, their PhD degree in an area of environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, aerospace engineering, or other related fields. In addition, the applicant should have a working knowledge in life cycle assessment, participatory modeling, and optimization.

Salary is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off.

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

The UNH Diversity Resource Guide with information and programming available in the seacoast area, New Hampshire, and the region can be found here: https://www.unh.edu/hr/diversity-resource-guide

Successful candidates will place their major focus on achieving original first-authored publications in interdisciplinary academic journals. They will work effectively in a team environment and will value interdisciplinary collaborations. Post-doctoral fellows will have the opportunity to mentor graduate and/or undergraduate students.