Postdoctoral Research Associate

The University of Southern California, one of the nation's top universities, invites applications for a full- time, post-doctoral research associate in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department within the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.  We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to work on the research and development of A Living Lab Digital Twin under the supervision of Dr. Gerber. The Living Lab for USC's new LEED Platinum Ginsburg Hall is an opportunity to research, design and implement a functioning Digital Twin with the goal of supporting future multi-disciplinary research and of highlighting digital twins for sustainability to the University as a whole.

Candidates should have the following qualifications: (1) a PhD or similar from a top university with demonstrated research activity in the research and development of computational systems for the built environment; (2) prior experience in developing computational systems for architecture, engineering, and construction; and (3) prior experience working with stakeholders, industry consultants, and principal investigators. The postdoctoral researcher will act as the co-coordinator and principal developer for the project, which includes the coordination between the principal investigator, the research team advisory panel, on campus and industry partners, and stakeholders. Preferred candidates will have prior experience working in multidisciplinary teams.  The candidates should have excellent verbal and written communication skills that can be demonstrated through their research publications and presentations. The candidates should have excellent computing skills demonstrated through their modeling, simulation, and programming projects.

The successful candidate must have:

• A PhD or equivalent degree in the areas of civil engineering, architecture, building science, and/or computer science.
• A background in and expertise in Building Information Modeling, parametric design technologies and methodologies, building simulation, and generative design.
• A knowledge of digital twins, Internet of things, and building systems.
• A knowledge of computer programming using Python, C#, and JavaScript, and have familiarity with libraries such as VUE.js, and three.js.
• A knowledge of sustainability methodologies and technologies; sustainability ratings, and environmental modeling, simulations, and calculators.
• Communicate well with fluent written and presentation skills in English.

The successful candidate should be able to:

• Conduct research that contributes to the project deliverables (see below).
• Collaborate with a highly inter-disciplinary team comprising of civil engineers, architects, industrial engineers, sustainability researchers, industry consultants, and computer scientists.
• Coordinate and manage the day to day activities of the project which include but not limited to preparing reports, dissemination using different media, and organizing research and strategy meetings/workshops.
• Author/co-author high-quality, high-impact publications.
• Participate in the general intellectual life of the department.

Project deliverables Include

• A digital representation (i.e. high-fidelity BIM model) of the real building - integrating and updating models from various sources and disciplines.
• Digital integration of data from the sensor networks and building systems - including formalizing standards and nomenclatures.
• A Digital twin of the building: including link between physical building processes and virtual representations: as a research platform and for a public facing interface (i.e. the Living Lab).

The Viterbi School is consistently one of the top schools of engineering in the United States and home to more than 35 research centers and institutes.  USC is one of the world’s leading private research universities and the oldest private research university in California.  It supports a rich scientific research environment and is a global center for arts, technology, and business.

This is a 12 month, fixed-term position with the possibility of additional years conditional upon performance and funding availability.  Postdoctoral scholars receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, among many other benefits. USC is an equal opportunity employer.

The annual base salary range for this position is $62,400.00 - $67,080.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.”

Review of applications will be immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter, research statement and contact information for 3-5 references. USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance.

Required Documents:  Resume/CV, cover letter, research statement and names of three to five references.

Salary : $62,400 - $67,080