Positions
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Posted: 23 July 2025 | Status: Open | [Back to Top]
Position Description
This position is for an undergraduate research assistant (URA) under the supervision of Professor Joseph P. Vantassel in the geotechnical engineering program at Virginia Tech. The position is for Fall 2025 with potential to be extended. The primary research task will be collecting data using state-of-the-art vibration sensors. The research will involve preparing sensors in the lab, deploying sensors in the field to collect data, and processing the data to map subsurface features. Measurements made as part of this position may result in academic publications (conference proceedings and/or journal papers). The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, hands-on technical ability, and interest in using sensors and data to image the underground.
Required Qualifications
- Currently pursuing BSc in Civil Engineering or related field at Virginia Tech.
- Ability to perform field-based research.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Basic programming skills (any language).
Preferred Qualifications
- In the third or fourth year of BSc degree (i.e., junior or senior standing).
- Prior experience using sensors (any kind) to make scientific measurements.
- Prior experience working or performing physical activity outdoors.
- Interest in pursuing a graduate degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
Compensation
$13 - $17 per hour, 10 - 20 hours per week.
Timeline
Review of candidates will begin immediately and end October 1st.
Master of Science (MSc)
Posted: 23 July 2025 | Status: Open | [Back to Top]
Position Description
This posting is for a funded MSc position under the supervision of Professor Joseph P. Vantassel in the geotechnical engineering program at Virginia Tech. The position start date is August 2026. The position will involve applying state-of-the-art subsurface imaging techniques to near-surface geotechnical site characterization. The position will involve field-based data acquisition, data processing, and publication of results.
Required Qualifications
- BS degree in geotechnical engineering or related field.
- Ability to pursue MSc in civil engineering (geotechnical focus) at Virginia Tech.
- Prior experience in geotechnical engineering, near-surface geophysics, or related field.
- Fundamental programming skills (any language).
- Ability to perform field-based research.
- Interest in continuing to PhD after completing MSc degree.
- Strong communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with using sensors for making scientific measurements.
- Prior experience with software development (Python preferred).
- Knowledge of data acquisition and signal processing fundamentals.
Compensation
Stipend of $2,800 - $3,000 per month and tuition remission (~$20,000 per year).
Timeline
Review of candidates will begin immediately and end January 1st.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Posted: 23 July 2025 | Status: Open | [Back to Top]
Position Description
This posting is for a funded PhD position under the supervision of Professor Joseph P. Vantassel at Virginia Tech. The position start date is January 2026. The position will involve applying state-of-the-art subsurface imaging techniques to near-surface geotechnical site characterization. The position will involve field-based data acquisition, numerical simulation, data processing, and publication of results. The position will involve software development and the use of high performance computing and artificial intelligence (AI). The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills (written and oral) and an ability to work independently as well as in a group.
Required Qualifications
- MS degree in geotechnical engineering or related field.
- Ability to pursue PhD in civil engineering at Virginia Tech.
- Prior experience in geotechnical engineering, near-surface geophysics, or related field.
- Prior programming experience (any language).
- Ability to perform field-based research.
- Strong communication skills (both written and verbal).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with using sensors for making scientific measurements.
- Strong programming ability (Python preferred).
- Knowledge of software development best practices.
- Knowledge of machine and deep learning.
- Prior experience with using high performance computing.
Compensation
Stipend of $2,800 - $3,000 per month and tuition remission (~$20,000 per year).
Timeline
Review of candidates will begin immediately and end October 31st.
Post-Doctoral Associate (Postdoc)
Posted: 23 July 2025 | Status: Open | [Back to Top]
Position Description
This posting is for a post-doctoral associate under the supervision of Professor Joseph P. Vantassel in the geotechnical engineering program at Virginia Tech. The preferred position start date is November 1st 2025, however the position's start date is flexible. The position is for one year with the potential for it to be extended up to three years. The position will involve developing novel approaches to site characterization, developing proposals to funding agencies, assisting in the management of currently funded projects, publication of results, supervising graduate & undergraduate students, and assisting with the management of a research equipment portfolio over $1M. Proficiency in software development, high-performance computing, and deep learning is ideal. Candidates should have strong communication skills (written and oral) and an ability to work independently as well as in a group.
Required Qualifications
- PhD degree in geotechnical engineering or related field.
- Ability to be in person at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA by the agreed start date.
- Prior experience in geotechnical engineering, near-surface geophysics, or related field.
- Ability to perform field-based research.
- Strong programming ability (Python preferred).
- Knowledge of software development, high performance computing, and deep learning.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience mentoring graduate and/or undergraduate students.
- Prior experience using and maintaining scientific research equipment.
- Expertise in the solution of inverse problems.
- Experience with data acquisition and signal processing (seismic preferred).
Compensation
Base rate of $60,000 - $65,000 per year and research travel support (~$5,000 per year).
Timeline
Review of candidates will begin immediately and end October 31st.