Post-doctoral Associate – Resilient Infrastructure & Smart Materials Job Vacancy in UAE Abdu Dhabi
NYU Abu Dhabi’s Division of Engineering is hiring highly motivated Post-doctoral Associates (or Research Scientists for candidates with 5+ years of post-PhD experience) to join the Future-GRID TecH (Future-Generation of Resilient and Infrastructure Design Technology Hub). This is a dynamic opportunity to conduct pioneering research in next-generation structural systems and resilient infrastructure, integrating emerging technologies in construction, materials, and monitoring systems.
Job Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Job Industry: Higher Education / Engineering Research
Job Function: Civil & Structural Engineering Research
Salary: Highly competitive with full benefits
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Candidate Current Location: Any
Job Type: Full-time
What Does a Post-doctoral Associate in Infrastructure Technology Do?
This role is ideal for engineering researchers with a passion for innovation in construction materials and smart infrastructure systems. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Mohamed Moustafa on experimental, analytical, and computational research projects. Topics span UHPC mix development, structural 3D printing, autonomous inspection systems, and structural health monitoring using AI and drone-based sensing technologies.
What Are the Key Responsibilities?
- Lead and contribute to research in advanced construction materials and resilient infrastructure
- Develop, model, and characterize ultra-high performance materials like UHPC, ECC, or SMA
- Perform computational mechanics and structural topology optimization
- Investigate autonomous and UAV-based monitoring and inspection systems
- Design and run multi-scale experiments for materials and structures
- Collaborate on interdisciplinary research with PhD-level scientists and undergraduates
- Publish in top-tier journals and present at global conferences
- Mentor junior researchers and participate in grant proposal development
What Skills Are Required for a Post-doctoral Engineer in Abu Dhabi?
Education:
- PhD in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Material Engineering, or related fields (Computer Science, Material Science, Nuclear Engineering)
Experience:
- Demonstrated research experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Smart materials and UHPC mix development
- Structural 3D printing and hybrid manufacturing
- Computational mechanics and FE modeling
- Structural health monitoring using vision-based or drone systems
- Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Prior experience mentoring students or leading research teams is preferred
Skills:
- Strong communication, coding, and presentation skills
- Proficiency in Python and C++ for simulation and GUI development
- Hands-on lab and experimental testing capabilities
- Familiarity with machine learning, AI, CFD, robotics, or UAV systems is a plus
What Benefits Come with This Position?
- Tax-free, competitive salary
- Housing allowance and family educational subsidies
- Medical insurance and annual home-leave travel
- Access to cutting-edge research labs and tools
- Opportunity to work on transformative infrastructure technologies
- Academic and professional development support within NYU’s global research network
About the Company
New York University Abu Dhabi is a world-class research university and part of NYU’s global network. The Future-GRID TecH hub at NYUAD leads multidisciplinary research that reimagines the future of resilient infrastructure. Directed by Dr. Mohamed Moustafa, the center focuses on integrating advanced materials, automation, and AI technologies into engineering solutions that meet the evolving needs of urban environments.
To apply, submit a cover letter, CV with publications, research statement, three relevant publications, and two references via the Interfolio portal. For inquiries, contact mohamed.moustafa
