Postdoctoral Research Associate

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Job Description

Who We Are

The Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT) at Texas A&M University brings together research, data, and collaboration to strengthen communities against natural hazards. Established to bridge the gap between science and decision-making, IDRT delivers cutting-edge analytics, tools, and evidence-based solutions that support state agencies, partners, and local communities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters. Through innovative research and a commitment to public impact, we help build a more resilient Texas for the long term. To learn more, visit https://idrt.tamu.edu

What We Want

The Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to cutting-edge research and projects focused on disaster resilience, coastal engineering, hydrodynamic and morphodynamic coastal processes, and flood risk reduction. IDRT is dedicated to enhancing disaster resilience by bridging the gap between research and decision-making. Our strategic approach involves conducting research on disaster risk reduction, promoting evidence-based solutions through outreach and technical assistance, and providing decision-makers with decision-support tools, data analytics, and policy solutions. The Department of Ocean Engineering conducts world-class research in offshore and coastal systems including field, laboratory, and numerical approaches to better understand coastal processes and engineering systems that protect people, property, and infrastructure from storm damage. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the collaboration across this multidisciplinary venture through joint research efforts related to planned storm surge suppression systems along the U.S. Gulf Coast with a focus on beach & dune modeling or hydrodynamic field data collection and analysis.

Please note: This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience.  

Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended and will help in our review. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.

Essential Duties/Tasks

Research

• Under general supervision, the post-doctoral researcher is responsible for conducting research and project tasks related to their (or adjacent) field of expertise. This will include data collection, analysis of research data and writing result summaries.

• Research and project tasks can cover a range of topics including:

• Coastal hydrodynamic and morphodynamic numerical modeling.

• Field data collection and analysis of nearshore dynamics.

• Design and analysis of flood control infrastructure.

• Nature-based flood mitigation solutions.

• Flood risk and hazard analytics.

• Flood forecasting and warning systems.

Mentoring

• Assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working on related research or project efforts.

Presentations / Publications

• Present research outcomes to small and/or large groups.

• Actively participate in the preparation of required technical progress reports to research sponsors.

• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

• Engage in outreach activities to promote evidence-based disaster resilience solutions and other related research output.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Doctoral (PhD) degree in Civil, Ocean, Mechanical Engineering or related field with a focus on Coastal Systems, Coastal Numerical Modeling, Nearshore Field Data Collection, Hydraulic Engineering, Geotechnical Challenges, or similar expertise.

• No prior experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency and experience in coastal numerical modeling tools such as circulation, flooding, wave and morphodynamic models AND/OR proficiency and experience in coastal/nearshore field data collection and analysis.

• Strong written, oral, and visual communication skills.

• Good understanding of coastal sediment transport dynamics.

• Experience with field data collection methods such as in-situ infiltration sampling, topographic and bathymetric surveying, acoustic and piezo-electric instruments for current and wave measurements.

• Proficiency in programming languages and data analysis tools such as Python, Matlab, and R.

• Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ESRI ArcPro).

• Hydraulics of flood control and storm surge suppression structures (e.g., culverts, pump stations, detention basins, hydraulic gates, surge barriers).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.

• Ability to positively and professionally interact with clients and staff.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Working knowledge of office software and instructional programs.

• Skilled in utilizing various learning and active listening strategies.

• Ability to orally comprehend and express information and use inductive and deductive reasoning.

• Ability to positively and professionally interact with clients and staff, groups of various sizes.

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat during field campaigns on land or water.

• Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines.

Why Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. 

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays. 

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. 

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time.

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.

• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time  for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.