Research Associate in Civil and Environmental Engineering

University of Virginia

About The Position

The Civil and Environmental Engineering department at the University of Virginia (UVA) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary project funded by the UVA Environmental Institute. This project investigates the rapidly growing footprint of data centers across the Commonwealth of Virginia, focusing on their impacts on both electric grid reliability and resilience and surrounding communities. The selected postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in developing computational, data-driven, and analytical frameworks to quantify and evaluate the multi-dimensional impacts of data center growth. The position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of power systems engineering, life-cycle assessment, and environmental systems analysis.

Requirements

Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree in related fields of engineering (civil, system, environmental, electrical), computer science, or data science by the appointment start date.
Individuals with specialized knowledge in one or more of the following areas will be given priority consideration:
Experience with grid reliability/resilience modeling (e.g., PowerWorld, MATPOWER, GridLAB-D, or similar).
Knowledge of LCA methods and tools.
Familiarity with energy–water–land interactions, environmental impact assessment, or infrastructure planning.
Machine learning or data-driven methods for large-scale infrastructure analysis.
Interest in interdisciplinary research connecting technology, environment, and community impacts.

Responsibilities

Grid Impact Assessment: Conduct computational modeling and simulation to evaluate how data center demand affects electric grid reliability, resilience, and operational flexibility under various growth and climate scenarios.
Life-Cycle and Community Impact Analysis: Perform life-cycle assessment (LCA) of data center infrastructure and operations, and assess implications for environmental burdens, resource consumption, and community well-being.
Data Integration and Scenario Modeling: Integrate technical, environmental, and socioeconomic data to quantify and compare alternative development trajectories, technologies, and siting strategies.
Documentation and Dissemination: Prepare technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations for interdisciplinary audiences, including stakeholders and policymakers.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with a diverse research team. The postdoctoral associate will be jointly advised and is expected to collaborate effectively across disciplinary boundaries.