Postdoctoral Researcher

Job Title

Postdoctoral Researcher (Structural Engineering) - NCIT

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Department of Civil Engineering

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Prairie View, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Prairie View A&M University National Center for Infrastructure Transformation (NCIT) seeks a dynamic and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Structural Engineering. The postdoctoral researcher will lead and participate in interdisciplinary, funded research projects related to surface transportation infrastructure systems. The selected candidate is expected to have the necessary background, assist with expanding NCIT’s external funding portfolio through grant proposals, as well as work collaboratively with the NCIT leadership and faculty researchers to plan, develop and implement programs that meet the goals of the US Department of Transportation University Transportation Center Program.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and support cutting-edge research in structural infrastructure systems and emerging structural engineering technologies.

• Increase NCIT’s research productivity by developing and submitting new proposals for funding and publishing high quality peer-reviewed journal articles and grant reports.

• Collaborate with internal and external research teams on interdisciplinary projects that aligns with NCIT research pillars and core areas.

• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students with research projects and encourage them to present and publish.

• Assist in operationalizing the civil engineering structural teaching and research lab with guidance from the NCIT Director..

• Participate in seminars, workshops, and outreach events to support personal growth and NCIT’s professional development goals and objectives.

• Performs other duties as assigned to assist the NCIT director and the research team.

Required Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related transportation field or discipline.

• No prior experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge and demonstration of skills with word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

• Ability to work independently, multitask, and work cooperatively with others to contribute to team-based initiatives.

• Strong demonstration of excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

• Strong demonstration of interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least three years of research experience in structural engineering.

• Demonstrated experience with either writing or assisting with grant proposals.

• Experience with research dissemination through technical conferences and high-quality peer-reviewed publications is preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in teaching graduate and undergraduate courses. 

• Experiences with AutoCAD products, MATLAB, Python, and others are highly desired.

• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams of faculty, staff, and students. 

• Adaptability to a fast-paced, evolving research environment.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to perform standard office functions.

• Ability to frequently communicate with other individuals within the workplace.

• Ability to constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must meet an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Reasonable accommodation is available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• This position may occasionally require working outside of regular business hours, including evenings or weekends, to meet project deadlines, supporting time-sensitive initiatives, or responding to urgent matters. Flexibility and adaptability are essential.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.