Postdoctoral Associate - Bio Inspired Soil

Job Description

The postdoctoral associate will be responsible for planning and executing experiments and developing advanced numerical models in the field of geotechnical engineering, with emphasis on bio-inspired soil improvement techniques. The postdoctoral associate will be involved in funded research projects and is expected to conduct laboratory experiments at different length scales, ranging from conventional geotechnical engineering laboratory experiments such as triaxial compression tests, direct shear tests, consolidation tests, soil erodibility tests among others, to small-scale experiments such as, but not limited to, X-ray diffraction, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), gas adsorption, and scanning electron microscope (SEM).

The candidate is expected to have demonstrated experience in conducting such large- and small-scale experiments in the area of bio-inspired geotechnics, with published work in highly-ranked journals in the field of geotechnical engineering. The postdoctoral associate is expected to help facilitate coordination between the different institutions involved in the project. This may include domestic travel once per semester to meet with co-investigators. This may also include domestic travel once per year to attend a professional conference.

In addition, the Postdoctoral associate is also expected to spend time mentoring masters and PhD students and attending lab meetings. The postdoctoral associate will have the opportunity to learn best practices in proposal preparation. The Postdoctoral associate will also receive guidance and training in the preparation of manuscripts for scientific journals and conferences and presentations at engineering and engineering education conferences.

Required Qualifications

- Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with emphasis in geotechnical engineering. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
- Published research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals about bio-inspired geotechnics have given presentations at scientific conferences.

Preferred Qualifications

- Demonstrated working in practice as a geotechnical engineer with extensive field experience.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Review Date

March 28, 2022

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 military 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 Sherif Abdelaziz at saziz@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: March 10, 2022
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