Careers at Virginia Tech

Research Scientist

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Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: College of Engineering
Department: Civil & Environmental Engineering
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Categories: Engineering, Research / Scientific

Job Description

Virginia Tech's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is seeking applicants for a Research Scientist position with Dr. Christin Salley’s Infrastructure and Resilient Communities Convergence (IRCC) Lab in Arlington, Virginia. We seek candidates with a proven track record of scholarship in civil engineering and extensive experience with advanced computational modeling and disaster and risk studies. The successful candidate will substantially contribute to the development of the growing research in Dr. Salley’s Lab, in collaboration with faculty, students, other staff scientists at the Virginia Tech Research Center (VTRC). The successful candidate will develop new lines of research, lead scientific publications and funding proposals, and supervise students and junior staff. This is an excellent position for a candidate with a background in research at the convergence of infrastructure and community resilience and previous postdoctoral experience who is motivated to grow their research profile in a highly collaborative environment. This position provides unique opportunities to engage with a dynamic, growing and highly stakeholder-engaged academic community in the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. region. This position is primarily in-person, located at the VTRC. Frequent check-ins with Dr. Salley will be required. This position is for 1 year, with possible renewal based on grants received. Job duties will include:
1. Research Execution : Independently conducts research within the field of civil engineering that falls within the scope of and collaborates with the Lab under general supervision. Responsibilities include tasks such as the development of new or improved analytical methods/frameworks, experimental and field study design and data collection, and communication of findings through writing reports and manuscripts for academic journals.
o Conception and Development of Research Projects and Grant Proposals: This includes engaging with stakeholders and committees, identifying and securing funding sources, and defining unit goals. Responsible for allocating resources effectively and communicating results to relevant stakeholders (i.e., journal publications, conferences, etc.). Contributes significantly to the design, execution, and interpretation of research activities.
o Project Management: Oversees all phases of project management, including setting priorities, acquiring and managing resources, monitoring budgets, tracking progress, preparing reports, and addressing challenges as they arise. Contributes significantly to ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope.
2. Supervisory Responsibilities : May hold full or partial supervisory responsibility for project personnel. Duties include training in research methods and use of advanced computational modeling, assigning tasks, monitoring performance, conducting evaluations, and recommending personnel actions.
3. Mentorship/Outreach : Provides guidance and support to junior researchers, students, or staff, fostering skill development, academic growth, and professional advancement within the research environment.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., civil engineering, computer science, disaster and risk studies, etc.)
• Record of publishing research in peer-reviewed journals or reports
• Extensive experience with computational modeling and tools (e.g., Python, R, etc.)
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resilience, risk communication, infrastructure systems, and sociotechnical systems
• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to prioritize responsibilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with grant writing
• Experience serving in the capacity of a PI or Co-PI, and history of successful execution of objectives of sponsored research
• Experience at a national laboratory

 

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience.

Hours per week

40

Review Date

August 22, 2025

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors CollegeThe university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kira Ritter at kirafs81@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

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