Post-Doctoral Associate - Geotechnical Engineering

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Housing allowance

Annual home-leave travel

Job summary

New York University Abu Dhabi invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Associate in Geotechnical Engineering. The role supports the SHORES Center and is based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Salary: 22,000–32,000 AED per month.

The position emphasizes advanced research in geotechnical systems, laboratory testing, centrifuge modeling, and numerical simulations, with collaboration across faculty, researchers, and students. Experience with geotechnical instrumentation and CAD tools is desirable.

Qualifications

• PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Less than five years of post-PhD research or professional experience.
• Experience in geotechnical laboratory testing, centrifuge modeling, or experimental soil mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct advanced research on resilient geotechnical systems and soil-structure behavior.
• Perform geotechnical laboratory tests, including soil characterization, specimen preparation, mechanical testing, and data analysis.
• Design centrifuge model experiments representing field-scale conditions.
• Prepare test specimens, instrumentation systems, loading arrangements, and data-acquisition procedures.
• Operate centrifuge experiments while maintaining safety and research-quality standards.
• Interpret experimental results and evaluate behavior, stability, and performance of geotechnical systems.
• Develop complementary numerical simulations to compare with laboratory findings.
• Support design, fabrication, testing, and refinement of specialized experimental apparatus.
• Use CAD and engineering-modeling tools to prepare components and test layouts.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, equipment, testing procedures, and data-quality issues.
• Maintain laboratory records, test logs, datasets, and documentation.
• Collaborate with faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and multidisciplinary partners.
• Present progress at seminars and conferences.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Soil mechanics

Centrifuge modeling

Geotechnical instrumentation

CAD modeling

SolidWorks

Technical writing

Research publications

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Laboratory safety

Education

PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Job Summary

Post-Doctoral Associate – Geotechnical Engineering at NewYork University AbuDhabi (NYUAD). The role is located in AbuDhabi, United Arab Emirates and supports the Center for Sand Hazards and Opportunities in Resilience, Energy, and Sustainability.

Job type: Full‑time. Salary: 22,000–32,000 AED per month (estimated; confirm with employer). Experience required: Less than five years of post‑PhD research.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct advanced research on resilient geotechnical systems and soil‑structure behavior.
• Perform geotechnical laboratory tests, including soil characterization, specimen preparation, mechanical testing, and experimental data analysis.
• Design centrifuge model experiments that accurately represent field‑scale geotechnical conditions.
• Prepare test specimens, instrumentation systems, loading arrangements, and data‑acquisition procedures.
• Operate and monitor centrifuge experiments while maintaining laboratory safety and research‑quality standards.
• Interpret experimental results and evaluate the behavior, stability, and performance of geotechnical systems.
• Develop complementary numerical simulations to compare with laboratory and centrifuge findings.
• Support the design, fabrication, testing, and refinement of specialized experimental apparatus.
• Use CAD and engineering‑modeling tools to prepare components, assemblies, and test layouts when required.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, equipment, testing procedures, and data‑quality issues.
• Maintain complete laboratory records, calibration details, test logs, datasets, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with faculty members, post‑doctoral researchers, graduate students, technical staff, and multidisciplinary partners.
• Present research progress during project meetings, technical seminars, and academic conferences.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in respected peer‑reviewed engineering journals.
• Contribute to research proposals, technical reports, and the broader academic activities of the SHORES Center.

Ideal Profile

• PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Less than five years of post‑PhD research or professional experience.
• Demonstrated research experience in geotechnical laboratory testing, centrifuge modeling, or experimental soil mechanics.
• Strong knowledge of soil characterization, sample preparation, mechanical testing, instrumentation, and experimental data interpretation.
• Ability to design and execute complex physical‑model experiments independently.
• Familiarity with numerical simulation methods used in geotechnical engineering is advantageous.
• Experience developing experimental setups, test fixtures, or laboratory apparatus is preferred.
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks or similar CAD and modeling software is beneficial.
• Strong technical writing skills with the ability to prepare publishable research manuscripts.
• Evidence of research productivity through publications, conference papers, or technical presentations.
• Careful approach to laboratory safety, equipment operation, documentation, and data integrity.
• Ability to collaborate productively within an interdisciplinary and multicultural research environment.
• Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.

Key Skills

• Geotechnical engineering
• Soil mechanics
• Centrifuge modeling
• Geotechnical laboratory testing
• Soil characterization
• Sample preparation
• Mechanical testing
• Experimental design
• Physical modeling
• Soil‑structure interaction
• Geotechnical instrumentation
• Data acquisition
• Experimental data analysis
• Numerical simulation
• Resilient infrastructure
• Sustainable engineering
• Energy infrastructure
• Laboratory apparatus development
• CAD modeling
• SolidWorks
• Technical documentation
• Scientific writing
• Research publication
• Multidisciplinary collaboration
• Laboratory safety

Why Join Us

This position provides an opportunity to conduct advanced geotechnical engineering research within an internationally connected university and contribute to solutions for infrastructure resilience, energy development, and environmental sustainability. Successful candidates will access specialized experimental facilities, multidisciplinary mentorship, and opportunities to publish impactful work. The employment package includes a competitive salary, medical insurance, housing allowance, annual home‑leave travel, educational subsidies for eligible children, and additional research staff benefits. The role also supports professional development, international academic collaboration, and continued specialization in centrifuge modeling and experimental geotechnical engineering.

About the Company

NewYork University AbuDhabi is a global research university that supports innovative scholarship across engineering, science, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Through the SHORES Center and its Civil and Urban Engineering Program, the university advances research into sand‑related hazards, resilient infrastructure, sustainable energy systems, and engineering solutions designed for complex regional and global environments.