Post Doctoral Research Associate

Position: Post Doctoral Research Associate -2
The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.
* *** Work-Life Balance:
*** PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
* *** Financial Wellness:
*** Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
* *** Professional Development:
*** Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
** Join Howard University and thrive with us!
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* JOB PURPOSE:

Howard University’s University Transportation Center seeks a highly qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in structural health monitoring (SHM) of transportation infrastructure. The associate will lead and support federally funded projects aimed at developing and deploying advanced sensing, data analysis, and system‐identification techniques to assess the condition of transportation assets.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: NANATURE AND SCOPE:

Support transportation engineering research at Howard University. The role engages with internal faculty and researchers, as well as external partners.

PRINCIPAL

ACCOUNTABILITIES :
* Support the Center’s mission by managing and executing research activities on transportation infrastructure safety, research implementation, and technology transfer initiatives.
* Collaborate with internal faculty, researchers, and external partners to plan and carry out research to design, implement, and validate structural health monitoring (SHM) methods.
* Conduct field deployments; process large‐scale time‐series data; apply statistical, machine‐learning, computer vision, and signal‐processing methods to detect damage or degradation.
* Contribute to proposal writing, technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
* Facilitate workshops, seminars, and public engagement events related to transportation engineering.
* Assist in meeting all reporting requirements for sponsored research projects.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

* Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related field.
* Demonstrated expertise in structural health monitoring, system identification, and signal processing.
* Proficiency with system identification methods, structural dynamics, and programming environments (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
* Experience with statistical and machine‐learning techniques applied to time‐series or spatial data.
* Strong organizational skills: ability to manage multiple tasks, adhere to deadlines, and collaborate across disciplines.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations.
* Ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse research team.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Ph.D. in a scientific and/or research discipline related to the research projects.
** Compliance Salary Range Disclosure**$60,000-$70,000

Here is what we offer:

- *** Health & Wellness:
*** Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
- *** Additional Perks:
*** Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and…