Research Associate in Civil and Environmental Engineering

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Online application procedure

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Charlottesville seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Civil and Environmental Engineering to investigate the impacts of data centers on electric grid reliability and community well-being. The successful candidate will develop analytical frameworks, conduct assessments, and collaborate with diverse teams. Applicants should possess a Ph.D. in related fields and have expertise in grid modeling or LCA methods, contributing to innovative infrastructure research. This position offers a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary work.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required by appointment start date.
• Specialized knowledge in grid reliability and resilience.
• Experience in life-cycle assessment (LCA).

Responsibilities

• Conduct computational modeling for grid impact assessment.
• Perform life-cycle assessment of data center operations.
• Integrate data for scenario modeling.

Skills

Grid reliability/resilience modeling

Knowledge of LCA methods and tools

Machine learning for infrastructure analysis

Interest in interdisciplinary research

Education

Ph.D. in related fields of engineering or data science

Tools

PowerWorld

MATPOWER

GridLAB-D

Job description

Research Associate in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Computational Analysis of Data Center Impacts on Communities and the Electric Grid

Co‑Advised by Prof. Negin Alemazkoor and Prof. Lisa Colosi‑Peterson

The Civil and Environmental Engineering department at the University of Virginia (UVA) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary project funded by the UVA Environmental Institute. This project investigates the rapidly growing footprint of data centers across the Commonwealth of Virginia, focusing on their impacts on both electric grid reliability and resilience and surrounding communities.

The selected postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in developing computational, data‑driven, and analytical frameworks to quantify and evaluate the multi‑dimensional impacts of data center growth. The position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of power systems engineering, life‑cycle assessment, and environmental systems analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Grid Impact Assessment: Conduct computational modeling and simulation to evaluate how data center demand affects electric grid reliability, resilience, and operational flexibility under various growth and climate scenarios.
• Life‑Cycle and Community Impact Analysis: Perform life‑cycle assessment (LCA) of data center infrastructure and operations, and assess implications for environmental burdens, resource consumption, and community well‑being.
• Data Integration and Scenario Modeling: Integrate technical, environmental, and socioeconomic data to quantify and compare alternative development trajectories, technologies, and siting strategies.
• Documentation and Dissemination: Prepare technical reports, peer‑reviewed publications, and presentations for interdisciplinary audiences, including stakeholders and policymakers.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with a diverse research team. The postdoctoral associate will be jointly advised and is expected to collaborate effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree in related fields of engineering (civil, system, environmental, electrical), computer science, or data science by the appointment start date. Individuals with specialized knowledge in one or more of the following areas will be given priority consideration:

• Experience with grid reliability/resilience modeling (e.g., PowerWorld, MATPOWER, GridLAB‑D, or similar).
• Knowledge of LCA methods and tools.
• Familiarity with energy‑water‑land interactions, environmental impact assessment, or infrastructure planning.
• Machine learning or data‑driven methods for large‑scale infrastructure analysis.
• Interest in interdisciplinary research connecting technology, environment, and community impacts.

Candidates are not expected to have expertise in all of the listed areas. The successful candidate will possess specialized knowledge in one or more of these fields and contribute to the Center's mission of driving innovation in roadway infrastructure.

Application Procedure

Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and attach a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the contact information for three individuals who can provide professional reference letters.

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

These positions are one‑year appointments; however, the appointment may be renewed for an additional two one‑year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions regarding this position, contact Negin Alemazkoor, Assistant Professor, at [e-mail].

For questions regarding the application process, contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at [e-mail].

For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non‑discrimination and equal opportunity employment.