Hourly Research Analyst

At present, several externally funded research grants require extensive use of statistical analyses and modelling of highway asphalt mixture properties and in-situ performance to satisfy project tasks.

About the role

This is a part-time hourly research analyst position with approximately 10-15 hours per week. The role involves undertaking research activities to conduct advanced pavement performance analysis, statistical correlations between asphalt mixture properties and field performance, support development of material property databases, and development of research reports and other dissemination products (papers, presentations).

Responsibilities

• Pavement Performance Modelling (25%)
  • Process field collected cracking and ride quality measurements into performance indices
  • Conduct mechanistic-empirical pavement analysis of study pavements
  • Evaluate combined effects of traffic and environmental stressors on pavement performance through use of mechanistic and data-driven models
• Statistical Analyses (25%)
  • Data organization and outlier detection and elimination
  • Linear and non-linear correlation analyses
  • Univariate description and bivariate inference analysis
  • Development of data-driven models
• Material Property and Pavement Performance Predictor Screening (15%)
  • Use of statistical analyses to determine reliable predictor variables for pavement performance
  • Conducting independent validation of the statistical modelling outcomes
  • Exploring thresholds for material properties that can be used in material specifications to enhance pavement performance reliability
• Deliverable Development and Dissemination (35%)
  • Develop research project deliverables in the form of technical reports and memos
  • Develop peer-reviewed journal article drafts and technical presentations
  • Present research findings to research sponsors and obtain their feedback to revise project deliverables

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• Doctorate in Civil and Environmental Engineering or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience in conducting advanced pavement performance modelling
• Demonstrated experience in conducting advanced statistical analysis and modelling of pavement material properties and pavement field performance data
• A record of first-author publication in high-impact civil engineering journals

Skills

• Proficiency in Python programming
• Database management skills
• Ability to extract and process pavement field performance data from state transportation agency highway pavement management and condition assessment systems (such as, Pathways and Pathweb)
• Strong oral and written communication skills, specifically for technical writing
• Ability to work with current graduate students on tasks associated with laboratory testing and statistical analyses

Other Requirements

• Ability to participate in once-a-week in-person meetings in Durham at UNH

Preferred Qualifications

• Laboratory experience in asphalt mixture design and performance testing
• Experience with fracture mechanics-based materials testing
• Experience working with public transportation agency staff

Pay

$34.00/hour

Schedule

Part-time, approximately 10-15 hours per week.

Please be advised that this position is supported by external sponsor funding. Continued employment in this role is contingent upon the availability of those external funds. If, for any reason, the sponsor funding is reduced or discontinued, employment may be subject to modification or termination in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.