Post Doctoral Research Associate

The University of Texas at Arlington Portal • Arlington, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree