"Postdoctoral Associate"

Job Description

The Myers Lawson School of Construction at Virginia Tech invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position in the field of autonomous assembly, off-site manufacturing, and system optimization for remote construction. This position will focus on advancing research in construction assembly science and technology, logistics optimization, and real-time communication frameworks for construction operations. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research in mixed reality (MR)-based simulation platforms, machine learning-based process optimization, and human-machine interaction in remote construction settings.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Conduct research on autonomous construction assembly, off-site manufacturing strategies and logistics optimization.
• Develop and implement MR-based simulation platforms for training and process enhancement in remote construction.
• Apply machine learning techniques for optimizing construction assembly processes, predictive analytics, and system automation.
• Investigate and improve human-machine interaction frameworks for construction operations, including robotics, sensor-based communication, and real-time monitoring.
• Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present results at international conferences.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including academic researchers and industry partners, to advance research applications in real-world construction environments.
• Assist in the supervision and mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students involved in related research projects.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Construction Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field. Ph.D. in relevant engineering degree. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Expertise in MR-based simulation technologies, digital twinning, and immersive environments for industrial applications.
• Strong proficiency in machine learning, optimization algorithms, and computational modeling applied to construction systems.
• Experience with designing and conducting experimental studies to evaluate emerging technologies in a construction setting.
• Experience with human-machine interaction, robotics in construction, or sensor-based real-time monitoring frameworks.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, MATLAB, or Unity (C#) for simulation and system development.
• A strong research record, demonstrated by publications in high-impact journals and presentations at international conferences.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in autonomous or robotic construction systems and off-site manufacturing techniques.
• Knowledge of data-driven decision-making approaches for construction optimization.
• Hands-on experience with sensor-based communication frameworks, wearable technologies, or IoT applications in construction.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

62,000

Hours per week

40 hours - regular schedule, plus as needed

Review Date

08/25/2025

Additional Information

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 Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, 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 endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

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, ethnicity or 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 Sara Phillips at sara.phillips@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: August 14, 2025

Applications close: