Post Doctoral Research Associate -1

Howard University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

Flexible work arrangements

Competitive salary and retirement plan

Ongoing training and tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Howard University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate for its University Transportation Center. The successful candidate will specialize in structural health monitoring (SHM) of transportation infrastructure, leading federally funded projects aimed at advancing sensing and data analysis techniques.

This role offers the opportunity to engage in collaborative research with faculty, conduct field work, and contribute to significant scholarly outputs. The position features a salary range of $60,000–$70,000, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to professional growth.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a scientific and/or research discipline related to the research projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in structural health monitoring, system identification, and signal processing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse research team.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute research activities on transportation infrastructure safety.
• Collaborate with internal faculty and researchers for SHM method design.
• Conduct field deployments and process large-scale time-series data.

Skills

Structural health monitoring

System identification

Signal processing

Statistical techniques

Machine learning

Programming (MATLAB, Python)

Education

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well‑being and professional growth. Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work‑Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

JOB PURPOSE:

Howard University’s University Transportation Center seeks a highly qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in structural health monitoring (SHM) of transportation infrastructure. The associate will lead and support federally funded projects aimed at developing and deploying advanced sensing, data analysis, and system‑identification techniques to assess the condition of transportation assets.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

NA

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Support transportation engineering research at Howard University. The role engages with internal faculty and researchers, as well as external partners.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Support the Center’s mission by managing and executing research activities on transportation infrastructure safety, research implementation, and technology transfer initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal faculty, researchers, and external partners to plan and carry out research to design, implement, and validate structural health monitoring (SHM) methods.
• Conduct field deployments; process large‑scale time‑series data; apply statistical, machine‑learning, computer vision, and signal‑processing methods to detect damage or degradation.
• Contribute to proposal writing, technical reports, presentations, and peer‑reviewed publications.
• Facilitate workshops, seminars, and public engagement events related to transportation engineering.
• Assist in meeting all reporting requirements for sponsored research projects.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in structural health monitoring, system identification, and signal processing.
• Proficiency with system identification methods, structural dynamics, and programming environments (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
• Experience with statistical and machine‑learning techniques applied to time‑series or spatial data.
• Strong organizational skills: ability to manage multiple tasks, adhere to deadlines, and collaborate across disciplines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications or conference presentations.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse research team.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Ph.D. in a scientific and/or research discipline related to the research projects.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

$60,000–$70,000