Bridge to Faculty Postdoctoral Fellow

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering in the College of Engineering & Computing at the University of South Carolina invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow as part of the inaugural cohort of the University’s new Bridge to Faculty program. We invite applications from outstanding scholars whose work contributes to, advances, or expands the boundaries of Intelligent and Sustainable Infrastructure and will have completed a PhD in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or closely related field by the time of the appointment. The College of Engineering & Computing is committed to building and supporting a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community of scholars and students and shares the University’s goals regarding faculty diversity and excellence.

Bridge to Faculty Program Overview

Designed to attract, support, and retain scholars from groups historically underrepresented in their departments or fields, the “Bridge to Faculty” program is the University of South Carolina’s newest and most promising initiative. Manifesting the University’s commitment to “cultivating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus where every individual has the opportunity to flourish and thrive,” the program seeks to recruit early-career scholars who, if successful during the post-doctoral period, may have the opportunity to transition to tenure track faculty at USC starting in the 2025-2026 academic year.  

The Bridge to Faculty Program enables Scholars to deepen their research expertise, expand their scholarly profiles, undertake academic work in the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department, and strengthen the College’s and University’s research community through their diverse perspectives. The Bridge to Faculty scholar in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering will join eleven other scholars from across the university who will form a dynamic and supportive community of scholars.  

Thru the leadership of the USC’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Bridge to Faculty Scholars have a unique opportunity to receive:

• Professional development preparing the fellow for a full-time faculty position  
• Training and development in research, pedagogy, and strategic engagement  
• Additional mentorship from senior professors and University administrators  
• Networking and connection-building with university administration  
• Opportunities to engage and practice as an active member of the USC community

Expectations

The Bridge to Faculty Scholar is expected to: 1) establish a robust program of research, 2) participate in the intellectual life of the department, 2) meet regularly with faculty mentors, 3) participate in professional development opportunities, i.e., attending and presenting at conferences, and 4) collaborate cross the college and institution when deemed appropriate. The scholar will have access to institutional and departmental resources specifically designed to support their readiness for a tenure-track position.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates must have PhD in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or closely related field by the time of their appointment from an accredited institution. The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering has internationally recognized research programs in environmental, geotechnical, railway, structural, transportation, and water resources engineering. Candidates with expertise in these areas, interdisciplinary areas, or other emerging areas related to intelligent and sustainable infrastructure are encouraged to apply.

Qualified candidates should submit the following:  

• A cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in doing postdoctoral work, specifically at USC, with relevant personal and professional background.
• A curriculum vitae including name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.
• Transcripts (indicating completion of PhD or expected completion of PhD by July 1, 2023.
• Statements of research and teaching (three-page limit each, double-spaced). In addition, please include a statement sharing how your experiences related to diversity, equity, and inclusion can help advance the University’s goal of “cultivating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus (1-3 pages). Varied socioeconomic and cultural experiences, diversity-related research, teaching goals emphasizing diversity, and first-generation college graduate status should be highlighted in the statement.
• If the candidate has not yet defended their dissertation, include a letter from the dissertation supervisor confirming that the PhD will be completed by July 1, 2023.
• References may be requested.

Application Deadline and Instructions

To ensure full consideration, application material should be submitted through

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/139880 and must be received by March 24, 2023.  Questions about the application process or this position should be directed to Dr. Sarah Gassman, Search Committee Chair, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, CEEB2F@mailbox.sc.edu, 803-777-3614

Salary and Conditions

Salary is competitive with similar postdoctoral fellowships, and the position includes a generous benefits package including access to medical, vision, dental, and life insurance. Each award is 12 months and may be renewable for only one additional year upon demonstration of academic productivity. This position will begin Fall 2023.

About the Department

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering conducts cutting-edge research to enable our society to develop sustainable and intelligent infrastructure systems. We have expertise in environmental, geotechnical, railway, structural, transportation, and water resources engineering. Opportunities are available for collaborations with departmental faculty as well as others outside the department (e.g. AI institute, electrical engineering). Department facilities include a 9700 square feet structures laboratory that includes a strong floor and a geotechnical pit for full scale or close to full scale testing; a 4,200 square feet water resources laboratory equipped with flumes to perform testing in hydraulic systems such as levies and dams; a 4,500 square feet geotechnical laboratory including triaxial machines and a centrifuge capable of performing earthquake simulations; and environmental laboratories for aerosol diagnostics, waste conversion to value added products; hydrothermal carbonization, etc.

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability,  sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.