Junior Research Scientist - Geotechnical Systems

New York University; Al Ruways Industrial City; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary with benefits

Medical insurance

Housing allowance

Annual home-leave travel

Educational subsidies

Research staff benefits

Job summary

New York University Abu Dhabi is seeking a Junior Research Scientist in Geotechnical Systems to advance centrifuge modeling, experimental geotechnics, and numerical simulation for resilient infrastructure. The role involves planning and executing laboratory tests, analyzing data, and integrating results with computational models.

The ideal candidate holds a BS in civil or mechanical engineering (or a related field) with any level of experience, or a master's with under five years of research

Qualifications

• BS in Civil or Mechanical Engineering or related field with any level of experience.
• Master's degree with less than five years of research experience is acceptable.
• Academic or practical exposure to geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics.
• Interest in centrifuge modeling, resilient infrastructure, sustainability, or energy‑related geotechnical systems.
• Ability to read technical drawings and interpret experimental procedures.
• Basic knowledge of numerical modeling or computational engineering is advantageous.
• Experience with laboratory testing, instrumentation, sensors, or data acquisition is beneficial.
• SolidWorks proficiency or CAD experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and implement centrifuge model experiments.
• Prepare soil specimens, test configurations, instrumentation, and materials.
• Support setup and operation of geotechnical lab equipment.
• Collect accurate measurements during testing and centrifuge runs.
• Analyze experimental data and compare with numerical models.
• Document findings in reports and presentations.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Soil mechanics

Centrifuge modeling

Geotechnical laboratory testing

Experimental design

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil or Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in a relevant field (<5 years experience)

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Junior Research Scientist - Geotechnical Systems

Job Snapshot

• Role: Junior Research Scientist - Geotechnical Systems
• Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Industry: Higher Education
• Function: Research
• Experience: Any level with a bachelor's degree, or less than 5 years with a master's degree
• Job Type: Full-time

Overview

Junior Research Scientist - Geotechnical Systems in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is a Higher Education research opportunity focused on centrifuge modeling, experimental geotechnics, numerical simulation, and resilient infrastructure. New York University Abu Dhabi is hiring a researcher to support the design, testing, and analysis of sustainable geotechnical systems for civil infrastructure and energy applications.

Core Duties

• Assist in planning, designing, and implementing centrifuge model experiments.
• Prepare soil specimens, test configurations, instrumentation, and experimental materials.
• Support the setup and operation of geotechnical laboratory equipment.
• Collect accurate measurements during centrifuge and laboratory testing.
• Process and analyze experimental data using appropriate engineering and scientific methods.
• Integrate physical test findings with numerical models for validation and deeper interpretation.
• Compare simulated structural or soil responses with observed laboratory results.
• Support the development of resilient and sustainable geotechnical systems for infrastructure and energy projects.
• Assist with the design and fabrication of innovative experimental apparatus.
• Prepare technical drawings, components, assemblies, and test layouts when required.
• Use SolidWorks or comparable engineering design software where applicable.
• Troubleshoot test setups, sensors, instruments, equipment, and data‑acquisition systems.
• Maintain complete laboratory notebooks, datasets, equipment records, and test documentation.
• Contribute to research reports, technical presentations, journal manuscripts, and conference papers.
• Participate in research meetings and communicate experimental progress clearly.
• Collaborate with faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, students, engineers, and technical staff.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures and institutional research requirements.

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline with any level of relevant experience.
• Or a master’s degree in a relevant field with less than five years of research experience.
• Academic or practical exposure to geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, structural testing, or experimental engineering.
• Interest in centrifuge modeling, resilient infrastructure, sustainability, or energy‑related geotechnical systems.
• Ability to understand technical drawings, experimental procedures, and engineering data.
• Basic knowledge of numerical modeling or computational engineering is advantageous.
• Experience with laboratory testing, instrumentation, sensors, or data acquisition is beneficial.
• SolidWorks proficiency or experience with similar CAD software is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability.
• Careful approach to laboratory work, measurement accuracy, and technical documentation.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary research team.
• Willingness to learn advanced experimental and computational techniques.
• Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.

Skills Set

• Geotechnical engineering
• Soil mechanics
• Centrifuge modeling
• Geotechnical laboratory testing
• Experimental design
• Soil sample preparation
• Physical modeling
• Numerical simulation
• Model validation
• Experimental data analysis
• Soil‑structure interaction
• Infrastructure resilience
• Sustainable engineering
• Energy infrastructure
• Laboratory instrumentation
• Data acquisition
• Sensor monitoring
• Experimental apparatus development
• CAD modeling
• SolidWorks
• Technical drawings
• Scientific documentation
• Research publication
• Laboratory safety
• Multidisciplinary collaboration

Why Join Us

• This position provides an early‑career researcher with practical experience in experimental geotechnical engineering, centrifuge modeling, numerical analysis, and resilient infrastructure research.
• The successful candidate will work alongside faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students while contributing to projects with applications in civil infrastructure, energy, and sustainability.
• Employment terms include a competitive salary, medical insurance, housing allowance, annual home‑leave travel, educational subsidies for eligible children, and additional research staff benefits.
• The role also offers access to specialist laboratories, advanced research facilities, academic mentoring, and opportunities to contribute to peer‑reviewed publications.

About the Company

New York University Abu Dhabi is an international research university advancing scholarship across engineering, science, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Through the SHORES Center and Civil and Urban Engineering program, the university develops experimental and computational solutions for geotechnical resilience, infrastructure performance, energy systems, and sustainability.