Research Associate (Geotechnical)

Job summary

The Research Associate will provide advanced technical support for the design and implementation of experimental and numerical geotechnical research programs. Responsibilities include developing centrifuge models, conducting literature reviews, and managing complex research in mine and nuclear waste management.

Job details

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered. This position has an initial appointment of one year. Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus and South Campus, Edmonton. SERG at the University of Alberta is the Subsurface Energy Research Group, led by Dr. Gonzalo Zambrano Narvaez in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The group studies geotechnical and geomechanical challenges in new energy and subsurface technologies. RESPONSIBILITIES The Research Associate will provide advanced technical and research support for the design, development, and implementation of experimental and numerical geotechnical research programs, with particular emphasis on activities conducted through Subsurface Energy Research Group (SERG) and Geotechnical Centrifuge Experimental Research Facility (GeoCERF). Responsibilities include developing geotechnical centrifuge models and testing methodologies, assessing the feasibility of research objectives and technical requirements, conducting literature reviews, and supporting complex research in mine waste management, nuclear waste management, and coupled processes. QUALIFICATIONS * Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Geoenvironmental Engineering, Civil Engineering. * Advanced knowledge and research experience in nuclear waste management, with particular emphasis on Engineered Barrier Systems (EBS). * Specialized expertise in the development, calibration, implementation, and interpretation of constitutive and numerical models for coupled multiphysics processes. * Experience developing and executing mine waste and tailings research programs. * Strong knowledge of physical modelling and centrifuge scaling laws. * Advanced practical knowledge of geotechnical laboratory testing and experimental procedures. * Proficiency with specialized engineering and scientific software, including: FLAC3D, GeoStudio, PLAXIS, RS2, TOUGH3, CMG, MATLAB, Python, C++, Gmsh / pygmsh / meshio. * Experience developing Python-based workflows for scientific computing, research automation, data processing, visualization, numerical pre- and post-processing, and analysis of large experimental datasets. * Demonstrated ability to conduct independent and collaborative research, including development of research methodologies, experimental programs, numerical studies, literature reviews, technical reports, journal manuscripts, conference papers, research proposals, and industry-sponsored project deliverables. * Ability to manage multiple complex research activities simultaneously. * Strong interpersonal, communication, mentoring, and supervisory skills, including experience training students and researchers in laboratory procedures, centrifuge operations, instrumentation, experimental methods, data analysis, and safe work practices. Application Instructions Click “Apply Now” and submit the following documents: * CV * Cover Letter * List of Publications This position offers a comprehensive benefits package [https://www.ualberta.ca/en/human-resources-health-safety-environment/benefits-and-pay/benefits-and-pension/benefits-overview/index.html] with an annual salary range of $65,369 to $73,544. The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E [https://www.ualberta.ca/human-resources-health-safety-environment/media-library/my-employment/agreements/university-aasua-2018-2020-collective-agreement-schedule-e-trust-research-academic-staff.pdf] of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta. The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. 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 [https://www.ualberta.ca/en/careers.html]. 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. The Faculty of Engineering [https://www.ualberta.ca/en/engineering/index.html] 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.

What you’ll do

The Research Associate will provide advanced technical support for the design and implementation of experimental and numerical geotechnical research programs. Responsibilities include developing centrifuge models, conducting literature reviews, and managing complex research in mine and nuclear waste management.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Geotechnical, Geoenvironmental, or Civil Engineering with specialized expertise in numerical modeling and physical testing. Strong proficiency in engineering software and Python-based research workflows is required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package

Listed skills

• Python · Preferred
• C++ · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Geotechnical engineering
• Numerical modeling
• Centrifuge modeling
• Mine waste management
• Nuclear waste management
• FLAC3D
• GeoStudio
• PLAXIS
• RS2
• TOUGH3
• MATLAB
• Python
• C++
• Data processing
• Research automation
• Experimental design
• Influencing Skills
• Interdisciplinary Research
• Research Support
• Laboratory Procedures
• Supervision
• Workflow Management
• Technical Requirements
• Collaborative Research
• Research
• Data Analysis
• Automation
• C++ (Programming Language)
• Calibration
• Civil Engineering
• Data Processing
• Instrumentation
• Emotional Intelligence
• Employment Contracts
• Environmental Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Psychology
• Innovation
• Waste Management
• Interpersonal Communications
• Python (Programming Language)
• Knowledge-Based Systems
• Laboratory Testing
• Mentorship
• Research Methodologies
• Multiphysics
• Operations
• Research Experiences
• Safety Training
• Scientific Computing

Job areas

• Science & Research
• Engineering
• Energy
• Environmental & Sustainability
• Research Associate
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• Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products

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