Postdoc: Harnessing Real-time Weather Data for Bridge Inspection

Specialized Lab: Kinetic Structures Laboratory

Department: Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences (www.ceees.nd.edu)

Institution: University of Notre Dame

Location: Notre Dame, IN

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Type: Full-time

Position Start Date: Fall 2025 (preferably) or early Spring 2026

Proposed Minimum Salary: $65,000

Job Description

Opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with Dr. Ashley Thrall in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences at the University of Notre Dame. The successful candidate will perform cutting-edge research investigating near real-time weather data to improve guidance for bridge inspections following rainfall events. Recent rainfall events in Indiana have washed out bridges, resulting in broken transportation networks and loss of life. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides near real-time weather information that integrates data from radar, rain gauges, satellites, numerical predictions, and other observations (i.e., lightning, surface, upper air). This research will investigate the use of this publicly available data to trigger bridge inspections, with the aim of improving public safety.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will join a vibrant team of scholars in the Kinetic Structures Laboratory. This research is funded by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and will include significant interaction with INDOT staff, providing unique opportunities for professional development. Funding is available to present at technical conferences.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in structural engineering, hydrology, or data science.

Preferred Qualifications

Proficient in Python coding and cloud computing.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed immediately until the position is filled. Interested candidates should email a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to Dr. Ashley Thrall (athrall@nd.edu).