PhD Position in Resilient Infrastructure, Mass Timber Systems, and AI-Driven Structural Reliability - Charlotte
11 hours ago
Job description
About the PositionDr. Aivars Vilguts invites applications for a PhD position in structural engineering at UNC Charlotte.
The research focuses on advancing resilient infrastructure systems with particular emphasis on wood and mass timber structures, integrating advanced structural analysis, probabilistic modeling, and machine learning.
As climate-driven hazards (hurricanes, floods, windstorms, extreme loading events) increase in frequency and intensity, infrastructure design must evolve beyond deterministic safety approaches toward risk-informed, data-driven, and performance-based frameworks.
This PhD position aims to develop next-generation methods to evaluate, predict, and enhance the reliability and robustness of timber and hybrid structural systems under uncertainty.
Research VisionThe project lies at the intersection of:
- Structural mechanics and nonlinear analysis
- Wood and mass timber systems (CLT, glulam, hybrid frames, modular systems)
- Finite element methods and uncertainty quantification
- Machine learning and modeling for structural response prediction
- Risk-informed decision-making for infrastructure
The selected candidate will work on:
- Studying how damage spreads and affects the whole structure
- Developing fragility curves for timber buildings and bridges
- Modeling structural behavior from connections to the full system
- Using machine learning to predict structural performance
- Combining experimental results, numerical models, and monitoring data
- Improving design methods for climate-resilient buildings and bridges
Candidate Profile
We seek a highly motivated candidate with strong experimental, analytical, and computational skills.
Essential qualifications:
- Strong background in structural analysis and mechanics
- Degree in structural or civil engineering (or related field)
- Solid programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
- Understanding of probability, statistics, and uncertainty
- Experience in wood property testing, wood and mass timber materials
- Experience in experimental testing, data collection, and analysis
Preferred qualifications:
- Background in wood or mass timber structures
- Experience with nonlinear finite element modeling
- Exposure to machine learning or data-driven modeling
- Interest in climate resilience, sustainability, and performance-based design
- Curiosity for integrating engineering mechanics with AI methods
UNC Charlotte is a Carnegie R1 research university located in Charlotte, North Carolina, which is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the United States.
The William States Lee College of Engineering maintains strong research and industry partnerships in infrastructure, sustainability, and advanced materials.The successful candidate will join an ambitious research program focused on mass timber innovation, resilient bridge and building systems, and AI-integrated structural engineering.
Funding and Start Date- Funded research assistantship (tuition + competitive stipend)
- Start: Fall 2026
Send the following in a single PDF:
- CV
- 1 page statement of research interests
- Academic transcripts
- Contact information for two references
To email:
Subject:
PhD application_Timber_Your Name and Lastname
Application deadline:
March 13, 2026)
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