Research Coordinator

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Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary
This position will conduct advanced research in structural engineering with a focus on resilient, sustainable, and high-performance infrastructure systems. This position will be responsible for developing and implementing numerical models, performing computational simulations, and conducting detailed analyses to investigate the behavior and performance of structural materials, components, and systems under various loading and environmental conditions.
Organizational Status
This position reports to the Principal Investigator.
Work Performed
Conducts independent and collaborative research in structural engineering, materials engineering, and infrastructure resilience.

Develops, calibrates, validates, and applies advanced numerical models using finite element, computational mechanics, and other simulation-based approaches.

Performs numerical simulations and parametric studies to evaluate structural performance under static, dynamic, seismic, wind, fire, thermal, durability, and multi-hazard loading conditions.

Analyzes and interprets computational and experimental data to generate new scientific knowledge and engineering solutions.

Integrates numerical, analytical, and experimental findings to support the development of innovative structural systems, materials, and design methodologies.

Prepares high-quality technical reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and research presentations.

Presents research findings at national and international conferences, workshops, seminars, and meetings with academic and industry partners.

Contributes to the supervision and mentoring of students involved in research projects.

Assists with the preparation, development, and submission of research proposals to federal, provincial, and industry funding agencies.

Collaborates with faculty members, research staff, industry partners, and international collaborators to advance multidisciplinary research initiatives.

Supports knowledge mobilization activities, including technology transfer, industry engagement, standards development, and dissemination of research outcomes.

Participates in laboratory activities, project management, and other research-related duties as required to ensure the successful completion of funded projects.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors in judgment, analysis, numerical modeling, data interpretation, research reporting, or project execution may result in inaccurate research findings, delays in project deliverables, rejection of publications, loss of research funding opportunities, compromised scientific integrity, increased project costs, and potential reputational impacts on the research group, department, university, and funding partners. Significant errors could adversely affect research outcomes, industry collaborations, and the development of engineering recommendations and design methodologies.
Supervision Received
This position works under the general direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or Faculty Supervisor (Prof. Alam). This position is expected to exercise a high degree of independence in planning and conducting research activities, developing methodologies, managing project tasks, and achieving project objectives. Guidance is provided on overall research direction, strategic priorities, funding requirements, and major technical decisions, while day-to-day activities are carried out with considerable autonomy.
Supervision Given
This position may provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to graduate students, undergraduate research assistants, visiting scholars, and laboratory personnel. Responsibilities may include assisting with research planning, overseeing numerical and experimental activities, reviewing analyses and technical reports, providing feedback on manuscripts and presentations, and supporting the coordination of research projects. The position may involve leadership of specific research tasks and project teams.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

PhD preferred.

PhD (or near completion) in Civil, Structural, Materials Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Demonstrated experience with finite element analysis and computational modeling software (e.g., ABAQUS, ANSYS, OpenSees, LS-DYNA).

Record of peer-reviewed publications in structural engineering, materials engineering, or resilient infrastructure.

Experience with experimental and laboratory testing of structural components, materials, or systems.

Proficiency in programming or scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for numerical analysis and simulation.

Experience preparing or contributing to research grant proposals (e.g., NSERC, provincial, or industry-funded programs).

Demonstrated experience supervising or mentoring graduate students, undergraduate research assistants, or research staff.

Familiarity with relevant building codes and standards (e.g., CSA, NBCC) related to structural design and performance.

Experience collaborating with industry partners or engaging in knowledge translation and technology transfer activities.

Demonstrated strong technical expertise, scientific creativity, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively both independently and within multidisciplinary research teams.