Research Assistant/Associate/Full Scientist

The Engineering School of Sustainability Infrastructure & Environment (ESSIE) in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida invites applications for a full-time, time-limited, 12-month,  non-tenure track Research Assistant/Associate/Full Scientist, in the area of Coastal and Civil Engineering (CCE). Initial appointment is for one year, with reappointment anticipated based on funding and performance.

The position is supported through the project “Littoral mud flats and shorelines: soil-sea-ice-air and benthic life interactions across different climate zones” funded by the Office of Naval Research and with Assoc. Prof. Nina Stark as lead primary investigator. This five year project will aim to (1) determine what environmental processes and feedbacks control the geomechanics of littoral mud flats and shorelines; (2) measure these processes and feedbacks conjointly with geotechnical site characterization and satellite-based remote sensing; (3) assess if climatic regimes affect and possibly change which processes and feedbacks are dominant; (4) develop and validate a global mud flat classification framework; and (5) determine which satellite products would be most efficient for deriving the tidal flat geomechanical properties.  

Responsibilities for the successful candidate will include contributing to the research including data collection, analysis, and dissemination of results, as well as to data and data collection management. The successful candidate is expected to work with the project primary investigators to meet project goals and assist with multi-disciplinary data fusion.

The selected candidate will be expected to work closely with a team of cross-disciplinary researchers and educators dedicated to advancing current understanding on tidal mud flat environments and their impacts on engineering and naval applications. Collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation will be key elements in driving advancements in this complex field. 

In addition to contributing to a vibrant research environment, candidates will be expected to contribute to mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. 

The field of coastal and civil engineering and specifically coastal geotechnics is an emerging topic with unique cross-disciplinary opportunities. The research group for Coastal and Marine Geotechnics in UF’s ESSIE (https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/coastal-marine-geotechnics/) represents one of the leading groups in this field. The project will also offer a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and a team of leading experts.

A key focus of this position will be on interdisciplinary data fusion which is a key skillset in coastal and marine geotechnics. The successful candidate will explore processes governing geomechanical properties of muddy tidal flats and shorelines, develop data collection and analysis methods including based on remotely sensed data, and will have the opportunity to conduct field research in different coastal environments.

The University of Florida is strategically positioned to attain a leadership role in Coastal Geotechnics. We are seeking talented faculty members to join our team, who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of geotechnical engineering and coastal sciences and engineering.

The University of Florida is the flagship campus of the State of Florida university system and is ranked as the #1 best public US university according to the Wall Street Journal. UF is currently ranked as one of the best public universities, 7^th according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report of Best Colleges. UF is home to HiPerGator, which ranks 3^rd among university supercomputers in the nation. In addition, the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering is currently implementing a major expansion of faculty and state-of-the-art research and education facilities with a focus on AI. The Malachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology, a 260,000 sq feet facility that serves as the hub for Artificial Intelligence, opened in Fall 2023. The College will reach 300 faculty members this year. For more information about our college initiatives, please visit http://eng.ufl.edu. The University and College count among its greatest strengths a value of broad diversity among faculty, students and staff and a robust, inclusive, and welcoming climate for learning and research. UF is committed to equal educational and employment opportunity and access and seeks individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, and other attributes who, among their many exceptional qualifications, have a record of including a broad diversity of individuals in research and learning activities.

Salary to commensurate with education and experience.

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, or a closely related field by the time of appointment

Ideal applicants should possess a strong background in one or more of the following areas: 

1. (Coastal and/or offshore) geotechnical engineering;
2. Field data collection in coastal or marine environments;
3. Coastal processes;
4. Physical oceanography with emphasis on estuarine to coastal conditions;
5. Remote sensing.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately, and will continue until the position is filled. You must apply through UFCareers via https://jobs.hr.ufl.edu/ Job 534658. (The application consists of attached PDF files of the following required documents: 1. Cover letter (summary, introduction related to hiring emphasis areas) 2. Curriculum vitae (including a 1-page CV highlights) 3. Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of no less than three and up to five references. Additional documents should be uploaded as one PDF to the “other documents” selection in the application. 4. Research Statement (including identification of any current synergies with UF and project). The anticipated start date for this position is Summer 2025. With some flexibility for a later start date based on individual needs. For further questions, please contact Dr. Nina Stark (nina.stark@ufl.edu).

The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

If accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.

The University of Florida is committed to nondiscrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.

This is a time-limited position.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.