Research Associate (Geotechnical)

University of Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthy benefits package

Job summary

The University of Alberta is seeking a Research Associate to provide advanced technical and research support for geotechnical programs, focusing on Subsurface Energy Research Group (SERG) and GeoCERF. The role emphasizes developing centrifuge models, numerical workflows, and experimental methods in an in-person Edmonton setting.

Responsibilities include literature reviews, collaborative and independent research, and mentoring students and researchers in lab procedures, centrifuge operations,

Qualifications

• PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or Geoenvironmental Engineering required.
• Advanced knowledge of nuclear waste management, especially Engineered Barrier Systems (EBS).
• Experience with constitutive and numerical models for coupled multiphysics.
• Proven record in mine waste and tailings research.

Responsibilities

• Develop geotechnical centrifuge models and testing methodologies.
• Assess feasibility of research objectives and technical requirements.
• Conduct literature reviews and prepare technical reports.
• Support research on mine waste and nuclear waste management.

Skills

Independent research

Mentoring

Centrifuge operations

Data analysis

Scientific programming

Education

PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

FLAC3D

GeoStudio

PLAXIS

RS2

TOUGH3

CMG

MATLAB

Python

C++

Gmsh

pygmsh

meshio

Job description

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

This position has an initial appointment of one year.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus and South Campus, Edmonton.

SERG at the University of Alberta is the Subsurface Energy Research Group, led by Dr. Gonzalo Zambrano Narvaez in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The group studies geotechnical and geomechanical challenges in new energy and subsurface technologies.

The Research Associate will provide advanced technical and research support for the design, development, and implementation of experimental and numerical geotechnical research programs, with particular emphasis on activities conducted through Subsurface Energy Research Group (SERG) and Geotechnical Centrifuge Experimental Research Facility (GeoCERF). Responsibilities include developing geotechnical centrifuge models and testing methodologies, assessing the feasibility of research objectives and technical requirements, conducting literature reviews, and supporting complex research in mine waste management, nuclear waste management, and coupled processes.

• Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Geoenvironmental Engineering, Civil Engineering.
• Advanced knowledge and research experience in nuclear waste management, with particular emphasis on Engineered Barrier Systems (EBS).
• Specialized expertise in the development, calibration, implementation, and interpretation of constitutive and numerical models for coupled multiphysics processes.
• Experience developing and executing mine waste and tailings research programs.
• Strong knowledge of physical modelling and centrifuge scaling laws.
• Advanced practical knowledge of geotechnical laboratory testing and experimental procedures.
• Proficiency with specialized engineering and scientific software, including: FLAC3D, GeoStudio, PLAXIS, RS2, TOUGH3, CMG, MATLAB, Python, C++, Gmsh / pygmsh / meshio.
• Experience developing Python-based workflows for scientific computing, research automation, data processing, visualization, numerical pre- and post-processing, and analysis of large experimental datasets.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent and collaborative research, including development of research methodologies, experimental programs, numerical studies, literature reviews, technical reports, journal manuscripts, conference papers, research proposals, and industry-sponsored project deliverables.
• Ability to manage multiple complex research activities simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, mentoring, and supervisory skills, including experience training students and researchers in laboratory procedures, centrifuge operations, instrumentation, experimental methods, data analysis, and safe work practices.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $65,369 to $73,544.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.