Associate Research Scientist - Geotechnical Engineering

Position Overview

New York University Abu Dhabi is recruiting an Associate Research Scientist in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to join the Center for Sand Hazards and Opportunities in Resilience, Energy, and Sustainability and the Division of Engineering. This role focuses on advanced geotechnical engineering research, combining centrifuge experimental testing with numerical modeling to support resilient and sustainable infrastructure and energy systems.

• Country: UAE
• City:
  Abu Dhabi
• Industry: Higher Education
• Function:
  Research
• Salary:  monthly (Market estimated)
• Gender: Any
• Candidate Nationality:
  Any
• Job Type: Full-time

• Lead the design, implementation, and analysis of centrifuge experiments for geotechnical systems
• Integrate experimental results with numerical modeling and simulation for validation and interpretation
• Develop innovative experimental apparatus and testing setups, including CAD-based designs when required
• Advance research in resilient and sustainable geotechnical systems for infrastructure and energy applications
• Publish research outcomes in high-quality peer-reviewed journals
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, and students

• PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field
• Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience excluding doctoral studies
• Strong expertise in centrifuge experimental testing, including design, execution, and data interpretation
• Experience with numerical modeling and simulation techniques
• Additional exposure to artificial intelligence applications in geotechnics, geoenvironmental engineering, geohazards risk assessment, or energy geotechnics is an advantage
• Ability to work independently and lead complex research projects

• Geotechnical centrifuge modeling
• Numerical modeling and simulation
• Experimental design and data analysis
• CAD and apparatus development
• Research project leadership
• Technical writing and publication

• Opportunity to lead impactful research in geotechnical resilience and sustainability
• Access to state-of-the-art centrifuge and research facilities
• Collaboration within a globally diverse academic and research community
• Competitive employment package including housing allowance, medical insurance, annual home-leave travel, and education-related benefits
• Long-term research growth within a world-class research university