Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description

The research groups of Dr. Eric Jacques and Dr. Scott Case in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Virginia Tech are hiring a post-doctoral research associate to study adaptive infrastructure at the nexus of the human, built, and natural environments. The current civil infrastructure ecosystem is highly decentralized and risk-adverse, incentivizing long-term, static, and resource intensive solutions that accelerate climate change and cannot easily adapt to the evolving needs of dynamic social, economic, and natural environments. There is an opportunity to re-invent the built environment from a complete lifecycle perspective, using energy-efficient materials, encouraging efficient behaviors, designing modular and recyclable systems, and economically encouraging infrastructure adaptation rather than new construction. The successful applicant will collaborate on research funded to understand how sustainable manufacturing, sensing and automation, environmentally conscious economic models, and human-infrastructure interaction must converge to realize this vision.
The post-doc will be based in CEE and collaborate with multiple, diverse stakeholders across disciplines, including engineering, technology, construction, architecture, and the social, behavioral, and economic sciences. The post-doc job responsibilities will include:
• Organizing a national workshop to be held virtually (planning, organizing, executing, curating proceedings, etc.), working in collaboration with a transdisciplinary team across campus
• Performing research related to smart and integrated infrastructure systems
• Assisting with grant preparation
• Teaching one graduate or undergraduate-level course in structural engineering
• Mentoring students

The preferred start date is February 2021. Candidates must apply at jobs.vt.edu (job no. 514790). A complete application should include a CV, a brief cover letter that includes a statement of interest and what you could contribute to the project, and a list of three references with contact information. Questions about the application should be directed to ejacques@vt.edu and scase@vt.edu . Review of applications will begin January 4, 2021 and continue until the position is filled. Applicants must have completed their PhD by the starting date.

Required Qualifications

1) PhD in civil or structural engineering, mechanical engineering, infrastructure systems, construction management, or related field; 2) Experience with development, application, and implementation of innovative methodologies / technologies for the built environment; and 3) Demonstrated potential for scholarly excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong research credentials, organizational and networking skills, experience in collaborative and transdisciplinary research, and grant writing and manuscript preparation.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$50,004

Review Date

January 4, 2021, continuing until filled.

Additional Information

The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Eric Jacques at ejacques@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: December 17, 2020
Applications close: