Post Doctoral Research Associate -1

Howard University

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About The Position

Howard University’s University Transportation Center seeks a highly qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in structural health monitoring (SHM) of transportation infrastructure. The associate will lead and support federally funded projects aimed at developing and deploying advanced sensing, data analysis, and system‐identification techniques to assess the condition of transportation assets. This role supports transportation engineering research at Howard University and involves engagement with internal faculty and researchers, as well as external partners.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related scientific and/or research discipline related to the research projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in structural health monitoring, system identification, and signal processing.
• Proficiency with system identification methods, structural dynamics, and programming environments (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
• Experience with statistical and machine‐learning techniques applied to time‐series or spatial data.
• Strong organizational skills: ability to manage multiple tasks, adhere to deadlines, and collaborate across disciplines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse research team.

Responsibilities

• Support the Center’s mission by managing and executing research activities on transportation infrastructure safety, research implementation, and technology transfer initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal faculty, researchers, and external partners to plan and carry out research to design, implement, and validate structural health monitoring (SHM) methods.
• Conduct field deployments; process large‐scale time‐series data; apply statistical, machine‐learning, computer vision, and signal‐processing methods to detect damage or degradation.
• Contribute to proposal writing, technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Facilitate workshops, seminars, and public engagement events related to transportation engineering.
• Assist in meeting all reporting requirements for sponsored research projects.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees