Research Associate 3 or 4 - Geotechnical Engineering Research Laboratory

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Job Posting Title:

Research Associate 3 or 4

Position Type:

Other Academic

Department:

LSUAM Engineering - LTRC - Research - Geotechnical Engineering Research Laboratory (Murad Yusuf Abu-Farsakh (00007874))

Work Location:

0101 Louisiana Transportation Research Center

Pay Grade:

Job Description:

Research Associate 3

Assist in conducting multiple geotechnical engineering research projects, developing research proposals, and managing field and laboratory testing.

40% Assist in conducting advanced scientific research in geotechnical related areas of transportation applications. Research topics include assisting in conducting advanced finite element modeling of complex geotechnical problems; incorporate site variability in different geotechnical applications; field instrumentation, monitoring, and testing of infrastructures; application of geosynthetic reinforcement; assist in conducting advanced in-situ testing; application of CPT in pile foundations and other geotechnical applications; assist in conducting reliability analysis to evaluate the resistance factors needed for design of deep foundations, etc.

20% Under the supervision senior research staff, assist in analyzing the results of highly complex laboratory and in-situ testing. Advanced testing includes accelerated load testing using cyclic plate load system, large-size direct shear tests, resilient and permanent deformation tests using repeated loading triaxial devise, and traditional drained/undrained triaxial tests, etc.

15% Assist in writing research proposals and prepare technical reports and publications for dissemination of research results. Present findings in technical journals, conferences and professional meetings under the direction of the Professor of Research.

15% Assist in training undergraduate co-op students, student workers, graduate students, and technicians.

10% Provide technical assistant to DOTD engineers to solve problems related to geotechnical engineering and advise them to implement the findings of various research projects. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related field.

Additional Information

Candidates are expected to receive Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or related field within 12 months of hire

Research Associate 4

Managing and conducting multiple geotechnical engineering research projects, developing research proposals, and managing field and laboratory testing.

40% Conduct advanced scientific research in geotechnical related areas of transportation applications. Research topics include conducting advanced finite element modeling of complex geotechnical problems; incorporate site variability in different geotechnical applications; field instrumentation, monitoring, and testing of infrastructures; application of geosynthetic reinforcement; conduct advanced in-situ testing; application of CPT in pile foundations and other geotechnical applications; conduct reliability analysis to evaluate the resistance factors needed for design of deep foundations, etc.

20% Conduct and analyze the results of highly complex laboratory and in-situ testing. Advanced testing includes accelerated load testing using cyclic plate load system, large-size direct shear tests, resilient and permanent deformation tests using repeated loading triaxial devise, and traditional drained/undrained triaxial tests, etc.

15% Write research proposals and prepare technical reports and publications for dissemination of research results. Present findings in technical journals, conferences and professional meetings.

15% Supervise and train undergraduate co-op students, student workers, graduate students, and technicians.

10% Provide technical assistant to DOTD engineers to solve problems related to geotechnical engineering and advise them to implement the findings of various research projects. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field plus 2 years of experience. Expected to receive Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or related field within 12 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.

Additional Information

Candidates are expected to receive Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or related field within 12 months of hire

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Original transcripts required prior to hire. Please include CV, cover letter, and three professional references with contact information in your application. For questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Abu-Farsakh at [email protected].

Skills Needed:

Preferred Skills:

Posting Date:

September 24, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

March 23, 2027

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information: