Associate Research Scientist - Geotechnical Engineering

New York University; Al Ruways Industrial City; On-site; AED 245,520 - 357,120; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package with housing allowance

Medical insurance

Annual home-leave travel

Educational subsidies for dependents

Opportunities for publication and international collaboration

Job summary

New York University in Abu Dhabi is seeking an Associate Research Scientist in Geotechnical Engineering. This full-time role focuses on leading research projects related to resilient and sustainable geotechnical systems.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD and have at least three years of professional experience, with expertise in centrifuge experimental testing and numerical modelling. The position offers a competitive salary package, housing allowance, and opportunities for international collaboration.

Qualifications

• PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or related discipline with strong specialization in geotechnics.
• Minimum three years of relevant professional experience excluding PhD study years.
• Strong expertise in centrifuge experimental testing, including design, execution, and data interpretation.
• Experience in numerical modelling and simulation for geotechnical applications.
• Proficiency in CAD tools and SolidWorks for experimental design is highly preferred.
• Additional knowledge in AI applications in geotechnics, geoenvironmental engineering, or energy geotechnics is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on resilient and sustainable geotechnical systems using centrifuge modelling.
• Design, implement, and analyze advanced centrifuge experimental testing programmes.
• Develop and apply numerical models to complement and validate physical experiments.
• Generate high-quality technical insights for infrastructure performance and energy geotechnics applications.
• Support the development of innovative experimental apparatus and laboratory systems using CAD tools.
• Conduct research involving geohazards assessment, geoenvironmental engineering, and geotechnical risk evaluation.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students.
• Contribute to broader scientific initiatives related to sustainability, resilience, and advanced engineering research.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering research

Centrifuge experimental testing

Numerical modelling and simulation

SolidWorks and CAD design

Infrastructure resilience analysis

Geoenvironmental engineering

Geohazards risk assessment

Energy geotechnics

Scientific writing and academic publishing

Laboratory systems development

Education

PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD tools

Job description

Job Overview

Associate Research Scientist – Geotechnical Engineering located in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates. This full‑time research position is part of a leading higher education institution focused on sustainable geotechnical design, centrifuge testing, and resilient infrastructure research.

Job Details

Country: United Arab Emirates
City: Abu Dhabi Emirate
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Salary: 22,000 – 32,000 monthly (estimated; final offer negotiated)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on resilient and sustainable geotechnical systems using centrifuge modelling.
• Design, implement, and analyze advanced centrifuge experimental testing programmes.
• Develop and apply numerical models to complement and validate physical experiments.
• Generate high‑quality technical insights for infrastructure performance and energy geotechnics applications.
• Support the development of innovative experimental apparatus and laboratory systems using CAD tools such as SolidWorks.
• Conduct research involving geohazards assessment, geoenvironmental engineering, and geotechnical risk evaluation.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students.
• Contribute to broader scientific initiatives related to sustainability, resilience, and advanced engineering research.

Ideal Profile

• PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline with strong specialization in geotechnics.
• Minimum three years of relevant professional experience excluding PhD study years.
• Strong expertise in centrifuge experimental testing, including design, execution, and data interpretation.
• Experience in numerical modelling and simulation for geotechnical applications.
• Proficiency in CAD tools and SolidWorks for experimental design is highly preferred.
• Additional knowledge in AI applications in geotechnics, geoenvironmental engineering, or energy geotechnics is a strong advantage.

Skills Set

• Geotechnical engineering research
• Centrifuge experimental testing
• Numerical modelling and simulation
• SolidWorks and CAD design
• Infrastructure resilience analysis
• Geoenvironmental engineering
• Geohazards risk assessment
• Energy geotechnics
• Scientific writing and academic publishing
• Laboratory systems development

Why Join Us

• Work on advanced geotechnical projects with major infrastructure and sustainability impact.
• Join one of the UAE’s leading engineering research environments with world‑class facilities.
• Competitive salary package with housing allowance and medical insurance.
• Annual home‑leave travel and educational subsidies for dependents.
• Strong opportunities for publication, international collaboration, and research leadership.
• Be part of innovative projects shaping resilient infrastructure and sustainable engineering solutions.

About the Company

New York University Abu Dhabi is a globally respected research university delivering excellence across science, engineering, and higher education. As part of NYU’s international academic network, NYU Abu Dhabi supports transformative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and world‑class innovation while advancing scientific discovery and sustainable development across the UAE and beyond.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected status.