Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Texas A&M University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas. This role involves conducting advanced research on disaster resilience and coastal engineering, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD and possess strong analytical skills, with proficiency in programming and GIS software. The position offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, paid holidays, and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• PhD in Civil, Ocean, Mechanical Engineering or relevant field.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, and R for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in coastal hydrodynamic modeling.
• Collect and analyze field data on nearshore dynamics.
• Design flood control infrastructure and mitigation solutions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Data analysis (Python, MATLAB, R)

GIS software proficiency

Understanding of coastal sediment transport dynamics

Education

Doctoral (PhD) degree in Civil, Ocean, Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

ESRI ArcGIS Pro

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate • Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT)

Location: Galveston, Texas

Overview

The Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT) at Texas A&M University brings together research, data, and collaboration to strengthen communities against natural hazards. IDRT delivers analytics, tools, and evidence‑based solutions that support state agencies, partners, and local communities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters.

Position Summary

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will conduct cutting‑edge research on disaster resilience, coastal engineering, hydrodynamic and morphodynamic coastal processes, and flood risk reduction. You will collaborate across the multidisciplinary team to develop storm surge suppression systems, beach & dune modeling, hydrodynamic field data collection, and analysis.

Essential Duties & Tasks

• Conduct research and project tasks in coastal hydrodynamic and morphodynamic numerical modeling.
• Collect and analyze field data on nearshore dynamics.
• Design and analyze flood control infrastructure and nature‑based flood mitigation solutions.
• Perform flood risk and hazard analytics, forecasting, and warning systems.
• Mentor and supervise student and graduate researchers.
• Present research outcomes to small and large audiences.
• Prepare technical progress reports for sponsors.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Engage in outreach activities to promote evidence‑based disaster resilience solutions.

Qualifications

Required

• Doctoral (PhD) degree in Civil, Ocean, Mechanical Engineering or related field focusing on Coastal Systems, Coastal Numerical Modeling, Nearshore Field Data Collection, Hydraulic Engineering, Geotechnical Challenges, or similar.
• Strong analytical, written, oral, and visual communication skills.
• Proficiency in programming languages and data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, R).
• Familiarity with GIS software (e.g., ESRI ArcGIS Pro).
• Understanding of coastal sediment transport dynamics.

Preferred

• Experience with coastal numerical modeling tools such as circulation, flooding, wave, and morphodynamic models.
• Experience in coastal/nearshore field data collection and analysis.
• Knowledge of flood control and storm surge suppression structures (culverts, pump stations, detention basins, surge barriers, etc.).
• Skill in data analysis and statistical tools for flood forecasting.

Physical Requirements

Work outdoors in varying weather, noise, and heat; travel to remote locations by driving or flying; ability to operate equipment on land or water.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance.
• 12‑15 days annual paid holidays; up to eight hours paid sick leave; at least eight hours paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Free exercise programs, release time, and professional development resources.
• Tuition assistance and educational release time.

Equal Opportunity

The Texas A&M University System is an Equal Opportunity, Veterans and Disability Employer. All positions are security‑sensitive and require a criminal history investigation. All employees and applicants are treated with respect and fairness.