Villanova University

Posting Number: 20251294F

Position Title: Postdoctoral Researcher - College of Engineering

Position Type: Faculty

Location: Villanova, PA

Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants

Work Schedule: full-time/12-months

Department: 960-Center for Resilient Water Systems

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and interdisciplinary Doctoral Research Assistant to join a collaborative project aimed at advancing understanding of sediment transport in urban river systems. This project addresses the growing need for sustainable stormwater solutions by integrating cutting-edge AI technology, real-time monitoring, and data from engineering, social science, urban planning, and policy.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct research on urban rivers through hydraulic models.
• Develop AI and machine learning models to integrate real-time monitoring data.
• Collaborate with colleagues in computer science and computer engineering to develop models.
• Contribute to the dissemination of research findings through academic publications, presentations, and community outreach.

Minimum Qualifications:

The successful candidate must have:

• a Ph.D. degree in water resources engineering, civil and/or environmental engineering or closely related field
• good organizational and communication skills
• the ability to work independently and communicate proactively

The individual must be highly motivated with strong written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with analytical problem solving, creative process design, as well as good oral and written communication skills are preferred. Individual must be willing to work closely with Dr. Smith and interdisciplinary team. The individual is expected to actively pursue high quality publications and participate in generating new ideas and writing.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:

Individuals must be willing to work outside standard office hours as demands of the job dictate.

Special Message to Applicants:

The Civil and Environmental Engineering Department has excellent infrastructure to support scholarship, including fluids, water resources, soils, environmental, and structural laboratories, computational research facilities along with the Stormwater Green Infrastructure Research and Demonstration Park. Additionally, a recent large expansion to the College of Engineering Center for Engineering Education and Research building is open, providing new undergraduate and research laboratories more than doubling the current research space. This position is contingent upon VCRWS research grants and resources.

Applications must include:

1. A cover letter expressing interest in the position
2. A current and complete resume/curriculum vitae
3. Transcripts showing completion of doctoral degree
4. Finalists will be asked to submit a statement on their contributions to the University Mission and Enduring Commitments.

Posting Date: 10/30/2025

Closing Date (11:59pm ET):

Salary Posting Information:

Competitive

Salary Band:

Job Classification: faculty

Minimum Number of References Needed 3

Maximum Number of References Needed 3