Project Overview: We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher to join our interdisciplinary team working on a groundbreaking project focused on the sustainability of Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) in urban environments at Villanova University. Our project addresses the critical need for sustainable stormwater management solutions that integrate engineering, computer science, urban planning, policy making, and social sciences, in collaboration with government agencies and community organizations.
Project Objectives:
- Develop innovative AI-driven models that integrate real-time monitoring data with technical, social, and policy-making data to advance GSI management.
- Incorporate community dynamics, history, and feedback into GSI management practices to improve the long-term performance of GSI systems.
- Empower communities by providing actionable information and platforms to address stormwater challenges and contribute to social equity.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct research on the life-cycle dynamics of GSI systems and develop science-based, data-driven maintenance protocols.
- Collaborate with engineers, computer scientists, urban planners, policymakers, and social scientists to integrate various data streams into AI-driven models for GSI management.
- Engage with community organizations and government agencies to incorporate local knowledge and community dynamics into GSI solutions.
- Develop tools and technologies that enable targeted and efficient maintenance of GSI systems and promote sustainable, community-driven stormwater management practices.
- Contribute to the dissemination of research findings through academic publications, presentations, and public engagement initiatives.
Qualifications:
- A Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science or a related field.
- Strong background in stormwater management, GSI, or related areas.
- Experience with AI applications, data integration, and real-time monitoring systems.
- Excellent communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.
- Commitment to advancing social equity and community engagement in environmental sustainability projects.
Why Join Us: This project offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of sustainable urban development, integrating cutting-edge technology with community-centered approaches to stormwater management. As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will contribute to solutions that have the potential to transform urban environments and enhance social equity. You will work with a dynamic team of researchers and practitioners dedicated to creating smarter, more resilient cities. Please feel free to reach out with any questions about this position.
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 large expansion to the College of Engineering Center for Engineering Education and Research building is underway that will provide new undergraduate and research laboratories more than doubling the current research space. This position is contingent upon VCRWS research grants and resources.
Application Instructions: Interested candidates should submit a CV to Dr. Virginia Smith (virginia.smith@villanova.edu). In your email, please describe your research interests and how they align with the objectives of this project. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Contact Information:
Virginia Smith: virginia.smith@villanova.edu
Peleg Kremer: Peleg.kremer@villanova.edu
Bridget Wadzuk: bridget.wadzuk@villanova.edu
Xun Jiao: xun.jiao@villanova.edu
