TTU Post Doctoral Research Associate - Civil Engineering

Lubbock

41116BR

Civil Environ Construct Engineering

Position Description

Performs specialized Post Doctoral work in the planning, conducting and/or supervision of original research. Responsible for participating in a research project associated with PhD studies and the interpretation of the results of publication. Work is performed under supervision of graduate faculty members with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of project. May supervise research and student assistants.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the Department and/or College

The HUD Center of Excellence in Climate Resilient and Equitable Housing (CECREH), housed within the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering at Texas Tech University, invites applications for a full-time, on-site Postdoctoral Associate position. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in community resilience, and housing and household disaster recovery. CECREH is a multidisciplinary consortium of six leading institutions-Texas Tech University (lead), University of Kansas, Stony Brook University, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Texas Southern University, and the University of Waterloo. Together, these institutions are developing innovative housing solutions in the context of disaster recovery.

The Postdoctoral Researcher (PR) will contribute to the HUD-funded Center of Research Excellence by conducting research on hazard mapping, exposure simulations, and integrated models of community resilience. Under the mentorship of Dr. Ali Nejat, the PR will integrate social science perspectives into resilience research, helping to explore implications for whole-community recovery. Key responsibilities include coordinating graduate student publications, supporting interdisciplinary research tracks across the center, and contributing to projects in:

• Hazard modeling and mapping

• Community unmet needs estimation and simulation

• Strategic policy and planning development to enhance community resilience

The PR will play a central role in developing predictive geospatial hazard exposure models, simulating post-disaster unmet needs through techniques like agent-based modeling (ABM), and contributing to the design and analysis of surveys to inform and validate models. For more information about the role, contact Dr. Ali Nejat ali.nejat@ttu.edu directly.

Position Details

• Initial appointment: 12 months, with potential extension based on performance and funding availability

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience

• Application review begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled

Major/Essential Functions

• Conduct research in data-driven housing recovery, hazard modeling and geospatial mapping, and community needs assessment

• Design and administer surveys; analyze data to inform and validate models

• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at academic conferences

• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students; support the center's publications and reporting

Required Qualifications

PhD in area of project specialization. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof. Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions and other outcomes. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to plan and allocate the workload of employees, providing direct training and supervision as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering or a related field (completed within the last three years)

• Demonstrated excellence in technical writing and peer-reviewed publishing in the related fields (e.g., community resilience, housing, or disaster recovery)

• Proficiency in programming (Python, R, GIS, etc.)

• Strong written and communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to work on interdisciplinary research teams

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Individuals interested in applying are requested to go to the following link and click on the Staff tab. Please upload (preferably in PDF format) the names, physical and email addresses, and telephone numbers of three references.

Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV, Transcript

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Shift

Day

Grant Funded?

Yes

Job Group

Research Staff

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.