Post Doctoral Research Associate -2

HU101 The Howard University; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO

Flexible work

403(b) match

Tuition reimbursement

Career development

Wellness programs

Commuter benefits

Vibrant culture

Job summary

Howard University in Washington, DC, seeks a highly qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance structural health monitoring of transportation infrastructure. The role leads federally funded projects and develops sensing, data analysis, and system-identifier techniques.

You will collaborate with faculty, researchers, and external partners, deploy SHM methods in the field, process large time-series data, and contribute to proposals, reports, and peer‑reviewed publications.

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.
• Proficiency with system identification methods, structural dynamics, and programming environments (MATLAB, Python).

Responsibilities

• Lead and support federally funded SHM projects for transportation infrastructure.
• Design, implement, and validate SHM methods; deploy field sensors.
• Process large-scale time-series data; apply statistical, machine-learning, and signal-processing methods to detect damage.
• Contribute to proposals, technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Facilitate workshops, seminars, and public engagement events related to transportation engineering.

Skills

signal processing

machine learning

structural health monitoring

system identification

MATLAB

Python

time-series analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering

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-identifier 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 Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world.

Howard University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex,sexual orientation,gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-806-1280. This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.