Postdoctoral Scholar in Structural and Earthquake Engineering
About the role
This position has an initial appointment of one year.
Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.
Position Summary
We are inviting expressions of interest from highly motivated postdoctoral scholars located outside Canada for future opportunities in seismic resilience and performance-based structural engineering, with a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications in infrastructure systems. These opportunities are supported through the Canada Impact + Research Training Awards (CIRTA) program.
Research directions may span the intersection of structural resilience, climate resilience, digital technologies, and sustainable infrastructure, relevant to both fundamental research and industry-driven applications.
For inquiries or further information regarding this opportunity, please contact Dr. Pouya Taraghi at <>.
The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America’s top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.
- Conduct research in seismic and climate resilience, performance-based structural engineering, and AI/ML-enabled infrastructure systems
- Develop and implement advanced analytical, numerical, and data-driven models for structural and infrastructure assessment
- Apply machine learning, digital technologies, and hybrid physics-based modeling techniques to support sustainable infrastructure research
- Analyze experimental and simulation data to validate models and assess structural performance
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams and industry partners on academic and industry-driven research projects
- Assist with the preparation of research proposals, technical reports, and peer-reviewed journal publications
Minimum Qualifications
- A PhD in Structural Engineering, Earthquake Engineering, or a closely related discipline
- Strong expertise in seismic performance assessment, nonlinear structural analysis, and performance-based design
- Demonstrated experience applying AI/ML methods (e.g., surrogate modeling, data-driven prediction, classification, optimization) to engineering problems
- A strong publication record in reputable peer-reviewed journals and conferences
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively
Preferred Qualifications
- Modular, prefabricated, or hybrid structural systems (e.g., steel–timber or concrete–timber systems)
- Advanced, composite, or emerging materials for structural and infrastructure applications
- Experimental data analysis, hybrid simulation, or physics-based and data-driven modeling frameworks
- Climate-resilience-oriented assessment, digital twins, lifecycle-oriented infrastructure evaluation
- Research conducted at the interface of academia and industry
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter, resume and list of publications.
The position has a comprehensive benefits package*.*
The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Postdoctoral Fellows Association of the University of Alberta.
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s top teaching and research universities, with an international reputation for excellence across the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering, and health sciences. Home to more than 39,000 students and 15,000 faculty and staff, the university has an annual budget of $1.7 billion and attracts nearly $450 million in sponsored research revenue. The U of A offers close to 400 rigorous undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in 18 faculties on five campuses. The university has more than 250,000 alumni worldwide.
The university and its people remain dedicated to the promise made in 1908 by founding president Henry Marshall Tory that knowledge shall be used for “uplifting the whole people."
Postdoctoral Scholar in Structural and Earthquake Engineering
About the role
This position has an initial appointment of one year.
Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.
Position Summary
We are inviting expressions of interest from highly motivated postdoctoral scholars located outside Canada for future opportunities in seismic resilience and performance-based structural engineering, with a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications in infrastructure systems. These opportunities are supported through the Canada Impact + Research Training Awards (CIRTA) program.
Research directions may span the intersection of structural resilience, climate resilience, digital technologies, and sustainable infrastructure, relevant to both fundamental research and industry-driven applications.
For inquiries or further information regarding this opportunity, please contact Dr. Pouya Taraghi at <>.
The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America’s top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.
- Conduct research in seismic and climate resilience, performance-based structural engineering, and AI/ML-enabled infrastructure systems
- Develop and implement advanced analytical, numerical, and data-driven models for structural and infrastructure assessment
- Apply machine learning, digital technologies, and hybrid physics-based modeling techniques to support sustainable infrastructure research
- Analyze experimental and simulation data to validate models and assess structural performance
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams and industry partners on academic and industry-driven research projects
- Assist with the preparation of research proposals, technical reports, and peer-reviewed journal publications
Minimum Qualifications
- A PhD in Structural Engineering, Earthquake Engineering, or a closely related discipline
- Strong expertise in seismic performance assessment, nonlinear structural analysis, and performance-based design
- Demonstrated experience applying AI/ML methods (e.g., surrogate modeling, data-driven prediction, classification, optimization) to engineering problems
- A strong publication record in reputable peer-reviewed journals and conferences
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively
Preferred Qualifications
- Modular, prefabricated, or hybrid structural systems (e.g., steel–timber or concrete–timber systems)
- Advanced, composite, or emerging materials for structural and infrastructure applications
- Experimental data analysis, hybrid simulation, or physics-based and data-driven modeling frameworks
- Climate-resilience-oriented assessment, digital twins, lifecycle-oriented infrastructure evaluation
- Research conducted at the interface of academia and industry
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter, resume and list of publications.
The position has a comprehensive benefits package*.*
The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Postdoctoral Fellows Association of the University of Alberta.
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s top teaching and research universities, with an international reputation for excellence across the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering, and health sciences. Home to more than 39,000 students and 15,000 faculty and staff, the university has an annual budget of $1.7 billion and attracts nearly $450 million in sponsored research revenue. The U of A offers close to 400 rigorous undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in 18 faculties on five campuses. The university has more than 250,000 alumni worldwide.
The university and its people remain dedicated to the promise made in 1908 by founding president Henry Marshall Tory that knowledge shall be used for “uplifting the whole people."