Research Scientist — Computational Acoustics and Multiphysics

The role

Develop numerical and analytical models for wave propagation in heterogeneous materials and connect those models to physical measurements. The emphasis is on verifiable simulation, not software output alone.

The work

• Develop high-fidelity ultrasound propagation and acoustic-field models using COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS or equivalent tools.
• Model acoustic propagation through heterogeneous, layered biological media.
• Design and optimize acoustic lenses, transducer configurations and wave-focusing systems.
• Investigate coupled acoustic, electrical, mechanical and thermal phenomena.
• Build sensitivity analyses, uncertainty budgets and physically justified simulation approximations.
• Work with hardware engineers to develop measurement systems, experimental phantoms and validation fixtures.
• Translate simulated fields into experimentally measurable quantities and testable hypotheses.
• Own a complete research problem, from governing equations to validated physical measurements.

What matters

• Strong first-principles understanding of acoustics, wave propagation, continuum mechanics and numerical methods.
• Excellent COMSOL skills; experience with coupled multiphysics models is particularly valuable.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for numerical analysis and optimization.
• Familiarity with acoustic transducers, instrumentation, signal processing and laboratory validation.
• An ability to explain the assumptions, limitations and physical meaning of a simulation.

What good work looks like

An experimentally anchored model with sensitivity analysis, convergence checks, and a measurement plan that can disprove the prediction.

Why this work matters

Bring wave theory into confrontation with a measured physical system.

Get in touch

Send us your CV, your personal website or examples of work you have done, particularly a simulation or experiment you developed and tested against physical measurements. Include an informal handwritten statement of purpose, with no prescribed length, telling us why this mission matters to you, what difficult work has taught you, and what you would like to take responsibility for at Walnut. This mission will demand scientific rigor, patience, independent thinking and a willingness to test ideas against reality. Write the statement entirely in your own words, without using generative AI. We will not consider statements written using AI. A photograph or scan of the statement is sufficient, and a typed version is welcome if handwriting is difficult. A reference from someone who knows your work is welcome, but not required.