Postdoctoral Associate – Resilient Concrete Structures Research Job Vacancy in UAE Abdu Dhabi
New York University Abu Dhabi is seeking one or more Postdoctoral Associates to join the Center for Sand Hazards and Opportunities in Resilience, Energy, and Sustainability (SHORES) and the Division of Engineering. This is a dynamic opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research in advanced construction technologies and resilient infrastructure systems within a world-class academic and experimental research environment.
Job Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Higher Education and Scientific Research
Function: Civil, Structural, and Materials Engineering Research
Salary: Competitive
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Candidate Current Location: Any
What Does a Postdoctoral Associate in Resilient Structures Do?
This role focuses on exploring advanced solutions for the design, development, and analysis of resilient and sustainable structural systems. Postdoctoral associates will lead research efforts on:
- UHPC mix design and performance optimization
- Precast concrete systems and applications
- Structural 3D printing using concrete, metals, and composites
- Soil-structure interaction for resilient foundation design
- Centrifuge testing and scaled modeling
- Experimental simulations and instrumentation integration
What Are the Key Responsibilities?
- Design and conduct experimental, analytical, and/or computational research
- Lead lab testing involving materials, components, or structural assemblies
- Collaborate with faculty and undergraduate/graduate researchers
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences
- Support the development of new research proposals
- Mentor and guide junior researchers in the lab
What Skills Are Needed for This Research Role in Abu Dhabi?
Education:
- PhD in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
Experience and Technical Skills:
- Strong publication record and scientific writing ability
- Hands-on lab experience in structural or geotechnical testing
- Knowledge in 3D printing, physical modeling, or UHPC mix development
- Programming skills in Python and C++ (GUI and tool development preferred)
- Certification or secondary training in areas such as additive manufacturing or centrifuge testing is a plus
Soft Skills:
- Strong communication and presentation abilities
- Experience mentoring junior researchers
- Independent problem-solving and project leadership
What Benefits Come with This Position?
- Highly competitive tax-free salary
- Annual housing allowance
- Medical insurance and children’s educational subsidies
- Relocation assistance and annual home-leave travel
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and a globally connected research community
How to Apply
To apply, candidates must submit the following documents in PDF format:
- Cover letter
- Updated CV with publication list
- Research statement (interests and plans)
- Three recent or relevant journal articles
- Contact details for two references
- Academic transcript
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled. For questions, contact Dr. Mohamed Moustafa at mohamed.moustafa

Join NYU Abu Dhabi to advance structural resilience and innovation in infrastructure while contributing to globally relevant research. Apply now to be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking engineering community.