Position Title
Post Doctoral Research Associate
Department
Civil Engineering
Position Status
Full-time
Open to
External and Internal
Job Summary
The Department of Civil Engineering in the College of Engineering, at the University of Texas at Arlington, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The successful candidate will work on funded research projects related to the long-term durability of polymers and composites used in civil infrastructure, with an emphasis on understanding and modeling the effects of moisture, temperature, and environmental exposure on material performance and service life. Applications will be in the area of pipelines and infrastructure rehabilitation as well as in advanced materials design as related to Moisture diffusion and transport in polymers and composites, Relationships between moisture uptake, glass transition temperature (Tg), and material performance, Development of predictive durability and service-life models for infrastructure applications including rehabilitation. The position involves data analysis, model development, use of AI/ML tools for both understanding the mechanisms governing long-term performance of polymers and composites and translating findings into practical design and application methods. In addition to research the Postdoctoral Research Associate will interact with public utilities, agencies, material suppliers, application and design companies. In addition to leading independent and collaborative research, the Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to proposal development, mentor graduate students, and disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Benefits at UTA
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees at the University.
To help you understand the full value of these benefits, we have created a tool that calculates the total worth of your compensation package. This tool takes into account all of the benefits that you are eligible for, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. To access this tool and learn more about the total value of your benefits, please click on the following link:
https://resources.uta.edu/hr/services/records/compensation-tools.php
CBC Requirement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a criminal background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.
This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA-48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct independent and collaborative research on polymers and composites used in civil/marine/offshore infrastructure with an emphasis on rehabilitation.
- Investigate relationships between moisture uptake, glass transition temperature (Tg), and material performance
- Design, execute, and interpret experimental studies, applying advanced characterization and modeling techniques to investigate material performance.
- Development of predictive durability and service-life models for infrastructure applications including rehabilitation
- Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present research findings at national and international conferences.
- Contribute to the preparation of research proposals and progress reports for federal and state funding agencies.
- Mentor and guide graduate and undergraduate students in research activities.
- Collaborate with faculty, research staff, and external partners to advance the objectives of the group
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Aerospace/Civil/Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field, conferred by the start date.
- Proven research expertise in the characterization, analysis, and modeling of durability and materials performance of polymers and polymer matrix composites
- Strong record of peer-reviewed publications that demonstrate the ability to translate research findings into impactful contributions
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with strong English written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Modeling of diffusion phenomena
- Experimental Characterization techniques including DMTA, DSC, mechanical testing.
- Experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory and research settings.
- Familiarity with proposal writing and contributing to competitive research grant applications.
- Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills in managing complex research programs.
Special Conditions for Eligibility
Department Information
UTA’s College of Engineering provides highly trained engineers for the workforce in North Texas and beyond. We have graduated two astronauts, many successful entrepreneurs and dozens of executives at Fortune 500 companies. Our faculty have distinguished themselves on a global stage. We are fulfilling our mission to educate talented engineers who will immediately make an impact on their communities. The College is the most comprehensive engineering program in North Texas, with 12 baccalaureate, 13 Master’s and nine doctoral programs. The University is classified as a Research 1 University — Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and the College of Engineering is the largest contributor to the University’s research enterprise with overall engineering-related research expenditures at UTA totaling more than $64 million. Students from around the world work with award-winning faculty in state-of-the-art facilities, acquiring the knowledge and skills they’ll need to create viable solutions to the most pressing problems of today and the future.
The University of Texas at Arlington’s (UTA) Civil Engineering Department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in civil engineering, architectural engineering, and construction management. The department is known for its research and teaching, and for providing innovative solutions to engineering challenges.
University Information
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.
UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community. Furthermore, UTA has launched the RISE 100 initiative, aiming to recruit 100 new tenure-system faculty to strengthen its research enterprise and leadership in key academic areas. Learn more at https://www.uta.edu/administration/president/strategic-plan/rise100.
This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.
ADA Accommodations
The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email
[email protected].
