Postdoctoral Associate
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Job Summary
The Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a highly motivated and independent postdoctoral researcher with training and expertise in microbiology, cement chemistry, and concrete durability. The project, funded by DARPA, involves engineering biological vascular inspired repair of aged concrete. The postdoctoral researcher will design and conduct advanced microbiology and materials characterization experiments pertaining to biological cement paste, mortar, and concrete. When appropriate, the postdoctoral researcher will design new experimental protocols to advance specialized experimentation and materials characterization techniques related to the structure, function, and properties of biomineralized, self-healing cement paste, mortar, and concrete. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to enhance the vision and mission of a vibrant, cross-disciplinary collaborative research team at the University of Colorado Boulder at the intersection of microbiology, cement chemistry, materials science, and civil and architectural engineering.
Who We Are
The fields of civil, environmental and architectural engineering offer careers in planning, design, construction and management of the built environment as well as in the interaction between the built and natural environment. The Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering's mission is the education of undergraduate and graduate students to become leaders in the professional practice of engineering, contributing to technological advances that benefit humankind while enhancing the earth’s physical and biological resources.
The Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering fosters an environment of inclusivity and celebrates the increasing diversity of our student body. We are committed to fostering inclusive excellence and have adopted priorities to guide our values and practices.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Design and conduct fundamental biological and cement-based materials science experiments in support of project goals and milestones;
- Collect, prepare, and analyze data for publication in high-quality scientific journals;
- Prepare visual media for scientific and technical audiences;
- Work collaboratively with a diverse, interdisciplinary team of graduate students, research scientists, internal and external to the University of Colorado Boulder;
- Assist in drafting and reviewing project technical reports;
- Supervise, train, and mentor other laboratory personnel.
What We Can Offer
The annual salary range associated with this position is $69,680 - $72,468.
Benefits
Be Statements
What We Require
- A PhD in civil engineering, materials science, environmental engineering, or a related field;
- A strong technical foundation and experience in standard and advanced lab-scale microbiology techniques, cement-based materials characterization (e.g., SEM, XRD, TGA, FTIR, DSC), and mechanical testing;
- Excellent technical writing skills, as evidenced by multiple high-quality peer-reviewed publications;
- An ability to work independently and possess a strong passion for (and commitment to) sustainability and interdisciplinary research.
What You Will Need
- Standard and advanced lab-scale microbiology techniques, preferably in the area of microbial biomineralization;
- Experience with advanced X-ray micro-computed tomography imaging and multi-scale characterization of cementitious materials and microstructures. Knowledge and experience in advanced image analysis, data manipulation, and statistical analyses are also required;
- Experience working with industry-standard mechanical testing of cement paste, mortar, and concrete. Knowledge of concrete cracking, aging, and chemical degradation principles.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Experience working with fungi and/or bacteria in cementitious systems;
- Experience with designing, testing, and characterizing self-healing cementitious materials;
- Experience with microencapsulation of microorganisms;
- Experience working with ZEISS Xradia 520 Versa and Dragonfly Pro software.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Current Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
- (Optional) Transcripts/Proof of PhD: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional attachment.
Please apply by November 7, 2024 for full consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu