Associate Rsch. Prof. in Electrochemical, Electromagnetic & Microstructural Evaluation of Materials - The University of Texas at El Paso

Location: El Paso, TX Category: Engineering Posted On: Mon Feb 23 2026 Job Description:

The Center for Transportation Infrastructure Systems (CTIS) at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) invites applications for a full-time Associate Research Professor specializing in distributed fiber-optic sensing and wireless sensor technologies to support cutting-edge research in large-scale, real-time structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil infrastructure systems. This position is ideal for a highly motivated researcher with strong technical expertise and a demonstrated ability to translate sensing technologies into practical, deployable infrastructure solutions.

CTIS serves as the primary hub for transportation, pavement, and geotechnical engineering research at UTEP and is one of the best-equipped transportation research facilities in the Southwest. CTIS conducts both basic and applied research focused on the performance, safety, durability, and management of transportation infrastructure. Research areas include pavement evaluation and design, transportation planning, environmental quality, asset and infrastructure management, structures, and safety. CTIS is strongly committed to workforce development, with undergraduate and graduate research assistants working closely alongside faculty and research engineers. More than 40 students are actively involved in CTIS projects at any given time. The Center maintains strong partnerships with governmental agencies, industry sponsors, and academic collaborators to ensure impactful, implementable research outcomes.

Position Overview

The successful candidate will lead externally funded, interdisciplinary research focused on the development and deployment of rapid, nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods for construction and infrastructure materials using electrochemical, electromagnetic, and microstructural characterization techniques. This position emphasizes advancing fundamental understanding and applied tools for assessing material condition, durability, damage evolution, and aging in cementitious materials, asphalt materials, stabilized soils, and composites.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead research in electrochemical (e.g., impedance spectroscopy), electromagnetic, and microstructural evaluation methods.
• Develop rapid, nondestructive techniques for material characterization and performance prediction.
• Integrate laboratory, field, and microstructural data to inform mechanistic understanding.
• Secure external funding from federal agencies, industry, and infrastructure owners.
• Publish high-quality research and contribute to standards, guidelines, or best practices.
• Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and collaborate with technical staff.

Job Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more NDE techniques relevant to construction materials.
• Strong publication record and experience conducting sponsored research.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with electrochemical, dielectric, magnetic, or microstructural methods
• Familiarity with durability, aging, or damage mechanisms in infrastructure materials.
• Collaborative experience with industry or transportation agencies.

Additional Information:

Appointment Type: Full-Time, Non-Tenure Track (Research Faculty)

Start Date: Negotiable

In keeping with its access, excellence, and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee's or prospective employee's right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries-including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident-about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu, or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.

To the extent that this position involves research, work, or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA-48, being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.