Assistant Research Professor - Cocoziello Digital Twin

Penn State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University invites applications for a three-year Assistant Research Professor focused on digital twins for the built environment, BIM, and data analytics for buildings. Remote/hybrid work is not guaranteed; location is University Park, PA.

Role emphasizes research, project management, and advising, with collaboration across academia and industry. The candidate will lead digital twin development, guide students, and pursue external funding, publishing results in peer-reviewed venues

Qualifications

• Ability to manage and lead collaborative teams on industry-engaged research.
• Experience designing/adapting tech with emphasis on digital twins and BIM for built environments.
• Strong written, visual, and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of human subject ethics and research procedures.
• Experience in industry-supported research is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead a 60/30/10 research, project management, and advising portfolio.
• Develop and implement a digital twin strategy for Penn State University Park.
• Collaborate with faculty and industry partners on research activities.
• Supervise graduate and undergraduate students in digital twin R&D.
• Seek external funding and disseminate findings through journals and conferences.

Skills

Team leadership

Digital twins

BIM

Grant writing

Communication skills

Ethics in research

Education

PhD in Architectural Engineering / Civil Engineering / Architecture

Tools

V/AR visualization

Job description

Position specifics

The Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a three-year Assistant Research Professor position with expertise in digital twins for the built environment (buildings and infrastructure), building information modeling, and data analytics for buildings.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

The position will be located on the University Park campus of Penn State.

This position has a possible extension contingent on performance review and continued funding.

The position has 60% research, 30% project management, and 10% research advising responsibilities.

The successful candidate will manage the development of a robust digital twin effort, focusing on creating and implementing a digital twin strategy for the Penn State University Park campus.

The candidate will collaborate with Institute faculty and industry partners, and guide graduate/undergraduate students on digital twin research and development activities.

The successful candidate is expected to secure external funding for their research and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and other effective channels.

The individual should be highly motivated and knowledgeable of relevant literature, be able to lead their own individual projects, write grant proposals, and contribute to collaborative research efforts.

Candidate Requirements

1. An ability to manage and lead collaborative teams on research projects with significant industry engagement.
2. Experience designing and/or adapting new technologies and techniques with a particular focus on digital twins and BIM related to the built environment.
3. Strong written, visual, and oral communication skills.
4. Knowledge of human subject ethics and research procedures.

Experience with industrialized construction, construction robotics, Virtual/Augmented Reality, and Artificial Intelligence is a plus.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is required.

Additional Experience

Applicants should provide evidence of strong potential for conducting and publishing research, competitiveness for external research funding, and excellence in communication across a range of audiences.

Experience in industry-supported research activities is preferred.

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be evaluated on their potential to manage collaborative industry research projects, experience in research involving digital twins and Building Information Modeling, ability to secure external research funding, and ability to publish high-impact work.

Application Materials

1. A cover letter.
2. A complete CV.
3. A statement summarizing the applicant's philosophy and plan for pursuing successful research.
4. Contact information for three references.

Applicants should address in their materials how they would contribute to creating/maintaining an inclusive and respectful work environment.

System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit.

For more information about the position, please contact John Messner ([e-mail]), Chair of the Search Committee.

Term Appointment

This is a term appointment, funded for three years from the date of hire, with an excellent possibility of renewal.

Background Checks

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
• For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

Campus Security

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.

We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Values

Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.

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