Opening Positions

One Postdoc and Two PhD Positions in Geohazard Mitigation and Urban Resilience

We are seeking 1 postdoc and 2 PhD researchers to work on several recently funded projects in the fields of geohazard assessment and geoenvironmental protection. The successful candidates will join the dynamic research team of Prof. Weiwei Zhan in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering at the University of Central Florida (UCF), focusing on interdisciplinary solutions for mitigating geohazards and enhancing urban resilience amidst global challenges such as earthquakes, climate change, and rapid urban growth.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research.
• Design and execute experiments, analyze data, and interpret results.
• Publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at conferences and seminars.

Qualifications:

• Degrees in relevant disciplines, such as Civil Engineering, Earth Science, or Data Science (PhD degree for Postdoc applicants, BS/MS degree for PhD applicants).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong skills in remote sensing, computational geomechanics, or machine learning.
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity (publications or conference presentations).

Appointment:

• Postdoc: This is a two-year appointment, renewable upon mutual agreement.
• PhD in Civil Engineering: 3-5 years upon student performance.

Salary and Benefits:

• Postdoc: Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus desirable benefits package with many options, including medical and dental insurance, paid leave, education reimbursement and retirement options. An additional $5,000 stipend is available to support the selected postdoc’s travel, professional development, and other research activities.
• PhD in Civil Engineering: fully funded, covering tuition, stipend, and competitive benefits.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit a single PDF file containing a cover letter describing their research experience and interests and a complete curriculum vitae (CV), including contact information for three references, to weiwei.zhan@ucf.edu. Please include “[Position Title] - [Your Name]” in the subject line.

Application Deadline:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The postdoc position is available immediately (but the start date is flexible); please apply by September 15, 2024, for full consideration. For PhD applicants, the university deadlines and requirements can be found at https://graduate.ucf.edu/application-deadlines-and-requirements/

Further Information:

For inquiries about the positions, please contact Prof. Weiwei Zhan at weiwei.zhan@ucf.edu.

About UCF:

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a thriving metropolitan research university located in Orlando, Florida. With more than 69000 students, UCF is one of the largest universities in the United States and is known for its commitment to innovation, excellence, and diversity. UCF stands among the 146 esteemed research institutions in the United States, designated as “R1: Doctoral University: very high research activity”. The U.S. News & World Report ranks UCF among the nation’s top 20 Most Innovative Universities, while Forbes, Kiplinger, and Princeton Review rank UCF a best-value university. UCF offers over 220 degree programs across 13 colleges, including renowned programs in engineering, optics and photonics, hospitality management, and biomedical sciences. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities and is a hub of cutting-edge research, with strengths in fields such as simulation, modeling, digital media, and sustainable energy.

About Orlando City:

Orlando is a dynamic and diverse place to work and live. It ranks No. 6 on Forbes’ 2018 Best Cities for Future Job Growth and is the fastest-growing metropolitan area among the 30 metropolitan regions in the United States. Orlando has something for everyone, from iconic theme parks (most notably Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando) to outstanding museums and world-class entertainment to miles and miles of walking and cycling paths and restaurants and retail opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of Central Florida is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. UCF’s Equal Opportunity Statement is available for download from the Office of Institutional Equity. As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request. The UCF’s affirmative action plans for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected Veterans are available for inspection in the Office of Institutional Equity, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., upon request.