Research Scientist, Civil Engineering Position Available In Davidson, Tennessee

Research Scientist, Civil Engineering 3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 1211 MEDICAL CENTER DRIVE, Nashville, TN 37232

Position Summary:

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Vanderbilt University seeks a highly motivated Research Scientist to work under the supervision of Dr. Hussam Mahmoud. The Research Scientist will play a vital role in advancing our understanding of wildfire behavior and its impact on physical infrastructure as well as social, economic, and ecological systems. This position involves designing and implementing research projects focused on fire behavior, dynamics and optimal life-cycle mitigation strategies in communities and in the wildland. The associate will collect and analyze data through field studies, modeling, and simulations to generate actionable insights. This position will engage with local communities to communicate findings and support outreach efforts aimed at educating stakeholders about wildfire risks. Additionally, the role entails assisting in grant writing to secure funding, managing project timelines and budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols during research activities. This position will also prioritize continuous professional development to stay updated on advances in wildfire science.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

RESEARCH

Duty/Responsibility(80%) Design and implement studies related to wildfire behavior, impacts, and optimal mitigation strategies. Collect and analyze data from field experiments, simulations, and modeling. Utilize statistical software and modeling tools to interpret data related to fire dynamics, vegetation, and environmental factors. Create and maintain databases for wildfire-related research. Review existing research and literature to identify gaps in knowledge and inform study design.

Publications :

Duty/Responsibility (20%) Prepare detailed research reports, technical documents, and academic papers summarizing findings. Develop educational materials and conduct workshops or presentations to inform the public and stakeholders about wildfire risks and management.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility and reports administratively and functionally to the research Principal Investigator.

Education and Certifications:

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field by the date of hire (is required)

Experience and Skills:

Must have strong publishing record in reputable journals, contributing valuable insights to the field (required) Proficient in utilizing computational tools for community wildfire behavior modeling in wildlands and communities (required) Experience conducting optimization analysis within a life-cycle context (required)

Preferred Job Qualifications:

Extensive experience in wildfire dynamics and behavior in wildlands and communities. Conducting comprehensive literature reviews, preparing detailed reports and academic papers, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to integrate diverse perspectives. Collaborative experience with interdisciplinary teams to address complex engineering challenges