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Position Overview

The Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering at the University of Kansas invites applications for one to two full-time Postdoctoral Research Associates to support multidisciplinary research with applications to civil and structural engineering. Research areas include:

• Computer vision and machine/deep learning
• Augmented/mixed reality and UAVs/robotics
• Digital image correlation and computational mechanics
• Structural health monitoring and related sensing/inspection technologies

This is a 1-year appointment with the possibility of reappointment based on performance and funding availability. The position is available immediately. Candidates with relevant experience in one or more of the research areas above and strong programming skills, particularly in Python, are encouraged to apply; experience in all areas is not required. These positions involve working closely with faculty members and students on high-profile research projects related to AI driven civil infrastructure inspection and monitoring.

Applicants should apply online at employment.ku.edu/staff/344002BR. Applications should include a cover letter, CV, a brief statement of research experience and interests, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin as soon as permitted after posting and will continue until the position is filled. Selected applicants will be contacted for further discussion.

Job Description

70% - Research

• Conduct computational, experimental, and/or field research in one or more of the areas described above.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate research algorithms/software and analyze research data.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in their research.
• Support experimental and field procedures, equipment operation, and safety requirements as applicable.

30% - Reporting and Dissemination of Research

• Prepare and present updates on ongoing research.
• Provide written reports on research progress.
• Participate in group meetings and present seminars to scientific community.
• Publish journal and conference papers to disseminate results.

Position Requirements

• The Postdoctoral Research Associate must be able to relocate to Lawrence, KS and work on-site at the University of Kansas.
• Some out-of-state travel may be required to conduct field work as necessary; travel is anticipated to be less than 4 weeks per year.

Required Qualifications

Candidates will be evaluated on their research experience and communication skills, as evidenced by (i) CV and cover letter, (ii) prior research publications and/or patent applications, (iii) references, and (iv) interview by videoconference.

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD conferred at the time of hire. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an interim basis not to exceed 6-months. Upon verification of degree the appointment will be extended to its full duration.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated research experience in one or more of the following areas: computer vision, machine/deep learning, augmented/mixed reality, UAVs/robotics, digital image correlation, computational mechanics, or structural health monitoring;
• Strong programming skills, particularly in Python;
• Experience applying computational, AI, sensing, or experimental methods to civil or structural engineering problems;
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research teams and communicate research results;
• Strong record of research publications and technical presentations.

Contact Information to Applicants

Jian Li, jianli@ku.edu

Additional Candidate Instruction

Only complete application packages submitted online will be considered.

A complete application includes:

• Online application form
• Resume
• Cover letter
• Names and contact information for three professional references.

Advertised Salary Range

62,000

Application Review Begins

28-Oct-2026

Anticipated Start Date

16-Nov-2026

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

FTE

1.0

Reg/Temp

Regular

FLSA Status

Professional

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Work Schedule

M-F, 40 hrs/week

Job Family

Research-KUL

Work Location Assignment

On-Site

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.