Positions
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Status: Open - Rolling | [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 open with a rolling start date. Research tasks will be centered around 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
Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis.
Master of Science (MSc)
Status: Open - Fall 2027 | [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 2027. 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)
Status: Open - Fall 2027 | [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 August 2027. 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 January 1st.
Post-Doctoral Associate (Postdoc)
Status: Open - Rolling | [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 position is open with a rolling start date. The position is full-time (40 hours per week) for one year with the potential to be extended up to three years depending on performance and funding availability. The position will involve developing novel approaches to site characterization, publication of results, developing proposals to funding agencies, assisting in the management of currently funded projects, supervising graduate & undergraduate students, and assisting with the management of research equipment. Knowledge of wave propagation, seismic wave simulation, inverse problems, high-performance computing, deep learning, agentic artificial intelligence are ideal. Candidates should have strong communication skills (written and oral) and an ability to work independently as well as the ability to lead small teams to complete project deliverables with limited supervision.
Required Qualifications
- PhD degree in civil engineering, near-surface geophysics, or closely related field. PhD must be awarded no more than two years prior to the effective date of appointment.
- Robust publication record in civil engineering, near-surface geophysics, or related field.
- Strong programming ability (Python preferred).
- Knowledge of software development, high performance computing, and deep learning.
- Ability to perform field-based research.
- Ability to be in person at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA by the agreed start date.
Preferred Qualifications
- Expertise in the solution of inverse problems.
- Experience with data acquisition and signal processing (seismic preferred).
- Experience utilizing agentic artificial intelligence for scientific applications.
- Experience mentoring graduate and/or undergraduate students.
- Experience using and maintaining scientific research equipment.
Compensation
Base rate of $60,000 - $65,000 per year and research travel support (~$5,000 per year).
Timeline
Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis.