Associate Research Professor in Distributed Fiber Optics and Wireless Sensors

Associate Research Professor in Distributed Fiber Optics and Wireless SensorsThe 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 OverviewThe successful candidate will lead externally funded, interdisciplinary research focused on the development, deployment, and interpretation of advanced sensing systems for monitoring the performance, durability, and safety of infrastructure assets, including pavements, bridges, buildings, pipelines, and geotechnical systems. The position emphasizes applied research, field implementation, and collaboration with public agencies and industry partners.Key Responsibilities• Conduct and lead sponsored research in distributed fiber-optic sensing (e.g., DAS, DSS, DTS) and wireless sensor networks.• Develop integrated sensing frameworks for real-time, large-scale SHM applications.• Design and oversee field deployment of sensing systems on civil infrastructure assets.• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in civil engineering, materials science, data analytics, and smart infrastructure.• Publish in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences.• Support proposal development and strengthen partnerships with government agencies and industry.• Mentor graduate students and collaborate with research staff, as appropriate to the appointment.Job Requirements:• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.• Demonstrated research expertise in fiber-optic sensing, wireless sensors, or smart sensing systems.• Strong record (or clear potential) of externally funded research and peer-reviewed publications.• Excellent written and oral communication skills.Preferred Qualifications• Experience with field deployment of sensing and monitoring systems.• Knowledge of data analytics, signal processing, machine learning, or digital twins for infrastructure applications.• Experience working with transportation agencies or civil infrastructure owners.Additional Information:Appointment Type: Full-Time, Non-Tenure Track (Research Faculty)Start Date: NegotiableIn 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 mailto: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 mailto: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.To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/6954641jeid-0c029f9fe3fb46428c2e76eedcc010a4