Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Essential Job Duties:

This position will support two ongoing projects and multiple forthcoming projects (one from the NCHRP and another from Caltrans) related to pavement surface/texture and driver safety and pavement performance. The position will also provide laboratory and project management support.

The main duties and responsibilities include:

• Analyze and synthesize the results of friction and texture research.
• Analyze and synthesize the results of Caltrans roadside departure research.
• Conduct detailed pavement performance simulations to identify methods to simplify analysis (could involve ML/AI modeling, statistical simplifications, etc.)
• Draft quarterly reports and monthly reports to support the aforementioned research projects.
• Assist with management of research effort for MS and/or PhD students working on the aforementioned projects.
• May be asked to participate in other research projects related to aforementioned topics as projects are awarded.
• Coordinate laboratory management activities in support of the asphalt mixture analysis group tasks. This may include coordinating graduate students for cleaning, ensuring PPE is appropriately worn, ensuring supplies are ordered, and coordinating on calibrations.

Departmental Required Skills:

• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with people of varying backgrounds and good communication skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, be self-motivated, and possess leadership skills.

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:

• Ph.D. in Civil or Environmental Engineering is preferred or closely related field (at the time of appointment).
• Knowledge of friction/texture and roadway safety.
• Knowledge and/or experience with pavement performance simulations using tools like Pavement ME, FlexPAVE, CalME, etc.
• Familiarity with statistical modeling approaches.
• Familiarity with state highway agency and/or federal agency research reporting requirements.