"Postdoctoral Research Associate, Civil & Architectural Engineering & Mechanics"

Position Highlights

The ideal candidate will work with Dr. Bheemasetti in advancing the fundamental and applied research in the geomechanical behavior of geomaterials and mine systems, contributing to the development of innovative spatio-temporal analysis and engineering challenges associated with uncertainty. The role supports collaborative investigations, model development, and experimental validation to improve understanding and prediction of subsurface processes.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Development of improved predictive models on long-term performance of tailings materials and storage facilities. Implement and refine the hydro-mechanical models to evaluate behavior under static and dynamic conditions.
• Conduct Laboratory and Field Investigations to determine the geomaterial properties (Mine systems - Surface, Underground, Tailings).
• Collaborate on grant proposals and participating in multidisciplinary funding initiatives.
• Publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences. Contribute to technical reports and guidance documents for industry or regulatory partners.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of tailings dam design, monitoring, and risk assessment frameworks.
• Comprehensive understanding of physical, chemical, and rheological properties of tailings and their implications on stability and flow.
• Knowledge of upstream, downstream, and centerline construction methods, and associated risks and regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency in spatio-temporal modeling and geotechnical software (e.g., FLAC, GeoStudio, Rocscience).
• Strong quantitative and statistical analysis skills.
• Strong technical writing and publication skills; ability to prepare manuscripts, reports, and grant proposals.
• Willingness to learn new methods or tools and take initiative in driving research forward.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering or a closely related field upon hire.
• Experience and competent with spatial modeling, laboratory testing, and numerical simulation of geomaterials.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed journal publications in relevant areas.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 1