Postdoctoral Scholar

Penn State University • University Park, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Dr. Farshad Rajabipour’s research group in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Penn State invites applications for two post-doctoral scholar positions. One position will be focused on developing and deploying a pore solution resistivity/pH sensor for assessing concrete quality and durability. The second position focuses on prediction and mitigation of alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete. Rajabipour’s group leads cutting-edge research in areas of concrete decarbonization, utilization of marginal and nonconventional pozzolans, durability and service life extension of concrete infrastructure, biochar-augmented concrete, and ultra-high-performance concrete. The postdoctoral positions offer exceptional opportunities for leadership and collaboration across these research domains, including partnerships with academic and industrial R&D teams both in the U.S. and internationally. Dr. Rajabipour seeks highly motivated and knowledgeable candidates eager to expand their expertise while contributing to the management and execution of research projects and mentoring of graduate students. The selected candidates will join a highly collaborative team of faculty and researchers within CEE’s Materials Innovation Studio, the Civil Infrastructure Testing and Evaluation Lab, the Additive Construction Lab, and the Materials Research Institute. Teaching opportunities may be available depending on the candidate’s interest. Additional resources and career development opportunities are available through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. The position is housed within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Larson Transportation Institute at Penn State. CEE’s vision is to achieve the highest quality of life for all, through sustainable and resilient civil infrastructure systems. CEE faculty lead pioneering research in five key areas: Safe and equitable transportation systems; Water, environment, and sustainability; Infrastructure resilience and adaptation; Decarbonization of the built environment; and AI for water security, infrastructure, and innovation. CEE is a vibrant and dynamic unit with 36 faculty members, 16 staff members, more than 470 undergraduate students, and more than 90 graduate students and postdocs. Our programs are highly ranked by the U.S. News and World Report with top 15 and top 20 national rankings at the undergraduate and graduate levels, respectively. CEE is home to outstanding faculty members, including 7 NSF CAREER Award recipients and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. In Fall 2024, CEE moved to the new, LEED certified, Engineering Collaborative Research and Education (ECoRE) building, featuring 9 active-learning classrooms and 51,000 square feet in support of research with state-of-the-art laboratories. The College of Engineering at Penn State prepares current and future generations for impactful careers as practicing engineers, managers, researchers, educators, and community leaders through highly ranked residential and online programs. We provide innovative educational experiences and supportive programs designed to foster a more welcoming community. In collaboration with industry, non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, and other academic institutions and partners, our faculty lead research initiatives across all areas of engineering that create jobs, fuel economic growth, inform policy, solve global problems, and positively impact humanity. This position is located in State College, Pennsylvania, which has been repeatedly voted as one of the most desirable and safest places to live in the United States. State College fosters a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable community. The region hosts outstanding public schools, reasonable housing costs, a calendar of social and cultural events, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. State College is served by a regional airport and is within driving distance to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington DC, Baltimore, and New York City.

Requirements

• PhD degree in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• Extensive research experience related to concrete materials and their characterization
• Strong track record in scientific contributions supported by peer-reviewed publications
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

• Developing and deploying a pore solution resistivity/pH sensor for assessing concrete quality and durability.
• Prediction and mitigation of alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete.
• Contributing to the management and execution of research projects.
• Mentoring of graduate students.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

What This Job Offers

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