Postdoctoral Research Associate - Structural Engineering

Washington State University; United States; On-site; USD 62,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Medical, dental, life and disability

Retirement

Job summary

Washington State University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering invites applications for a 12-month, full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate position on the Pullman campus. The incumbent will design and analyze steel structures, conduct experimental and computational investigations, and advance data-driven approaches to structural design and seismic behavior.

The role includes mentoring graduate and undergraduate students and collaboration within the Koh research group.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field by start date.
• Strong background in structural mechanics, computational modeling, and data analytics.
• Experience leading full-scale structural testing and proficiency in Python or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze steel structures.
• Conduct experimental and computational investigations of structural behavior.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students within the lab.

Skills

Structural mechanics

Computational modeling

Data analytics

Python programming

Mentoring/leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Python

High-performance computing

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: September 30, 2026 If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details. Available Title(s): 306-NY_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate, 306-YY_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate Business Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate - Structural Engineering Employee Type: Faculty (+) (Fixed Term) Position Term: 12 Month

Position Details: The Opportunity: The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Washington State University (WSU) is seeking a qualified applicant for a 12-month, full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate position based on the WSU main campus in Pullman, WA. The incumbent will play a central role in the design and analysis of steel structures, experimental and computational investigations of structural behavior, and data-driven approaches to structural design and analysis. The project will experimentally and computationally assess the thermomechanical and seismic behavior of cold-formed steel structures. The postdoctoral researcher is also expected to demonstrate leadership within the lab, including mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

About the research group: The incumbent will join the research group of Professor Hyeyoung Koh in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The Koh research group focuses on steel structures and other structural systems, with an emphasis on enhancing their design and analysis for resilience and sustainability. Representative research topics include thermomechanical behavior of steel structures, AI-aided structural design, and structural performance assessment using advanced sensing technologies.

Percentage Breakdown of Job Functions: 80% Research 20% Scholarship, Outreach, and Collaboration

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation. For information or questions about Benefits, please contact HRS Benefits at 509-335-4521.

Additional Information: Annual Salary: $62,232 - $70,000 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range. This is a full (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.

Appointment Duration: This is a temporary position expected to start on October1,2026, dependent upon finalist's availability and end on October1,2027. The position is expected to end within one year of starting. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or the availability of additional funding.

Postdoctoral Requirements: For detailed information on eligibility for postdoctoral appointments, please visit: WSU/UAW Postdoctoral Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Required Qualifications: A Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field by the start date. Preferred Qualifications: Strong technical background in structural mechanics, computational modeling, and data analytics. Experience leading full-scale structural testing. Proficiency in Python or equivalent programming language. Experience with high-performance and high-throughput computing Scientific proposal writing experience. Position Sponsorship Eligibility: May be eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department - Civil and Environmental Engineering | Washington State University Area/College: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture Department Name: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Location: Pullman, WA

Contact: For questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact Dr. Hyeyoung Koh, [e-mail]

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Union Representation: This position is represented exclusively by Postdocs United/United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Information regarding the Union and the CBA is available on the WSU Labor Relations website. Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [e-mail]

Notice of Non-Discrimination In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/

WSU is Washington's land-grant university with campuses located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide. WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at the core of WSU's strategic priorities. See here for additional information about WSU's statewide locations. View the HRS Benefits website for details on competitive benefits available.

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/