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Work type:Research Faculty
Senior management: College of Engineering
Department: Civil & Environmental Engineering
Location:Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories:Engineering, Research / Scientific

Job Description

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Virginia Tech is seeking applications for a 12-month, postdoctoral associate position. The focus of the position is on analysis and design of deep, multi-cell, precast concrete box culverts.

Current AASHTO specifications for buried structures were empirically developed based on principles of soil mechanics and idealized conditions of soil-structure interaction for relatively shallow fill depths. However, for substantial fill depths, the distribution and magnitude of these earth stresses are not well-established. Furthermore, the current 2D frame analysis models used for box culverts may be overly conservative for deeply buried ones that could primarily respond with compression arching. Neglecting this arching potential may have led to underestimating load capacity and overall structural response. Research is needed to assess the impact of arching and develop suitable design strategies for deep buried box culverts. Additionally, the design and detailing based on AASHTO requirements may not be suitable if compressive arch action is present.

The postdoctoral associate will collaborate with expert faculty in geotechnical and structural engineering to lead computational research funded to understand the performance and behavior of deeply buried precast box culverts.

Required Qualifications

- PhD in civil or structural engineering, geotechnical, or related field. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
- Experience with development, application, and implementation of high-fidelity computational tools.
- Demonstrated potential for scholarly excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

- Strong research credentials.
- Organizational and networking skills.
- Experience in geotechnical engineering and/or precast concrete structures.
- Knowledge and familiarity with computational programs such as LS-LS-DYNA and/or Plaxis, LUSAS, BOXCAR, and CANDE.
- Knowledge and familiarity with civil engineering best practices, and grant writing and manuscript preparation.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting at $54,840; commensurate with experience

Review Date

September 15, 2023

Additional Information

Applicants must apply online at jobs.vt.edu. Questions should be directed to ejacques@vt.edu. Review of applications will begin September 15, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. The preferred start date is January 2024 or sooner. Applicants must have completed their PhD by the starting date.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Eric Jacques at ejacques@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.