The Ingram School of Engineering (ISOE) at Texas State University (TxST) is currently accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Transportation Engineering. The Next Generation Intelligent Transportation Systems (NextGen-ITS) Lab is a new transportation laboratory that excels in empirical research and simulation and modeling. Dr. David Kan (incoming Assistant Professor), PI of the lab, has rich experience in conducting experimental work on traffic flow and operations related to emerging technologies such as automation, electrification, and connected vehicles.
Texas State University launched its Civil Engineering (CE) program under the Ingram School of Engineering in 2019. The CE program received EAC ABET accreditation in 2024 and now has 15 faculty members serving 440 undergraduate and 50 graduate and PhD students. In 2024, Texas State established the PhD in CE program, focusing on leadership, innovation, communication, and entrepreneurship in infrastructure. This exclusive program integrates Civil Engineering principles with entrepreneurial skills and technology-enhanced infrastructure (TEI), making it the first of its kind in Texas. This initiative highlights the need for infrastructure innovation and supports the university’s Road to R1 goals.
CE program has excellent laboratory facilities, including the recently opened $15M state-of-the-art Infrastructure Research Laboratory (IRL). The IRL houses a reinforced concrete strong floor and reaction wall, cutting-edge equipment including a comprehensive range of hydraulic actuators, pumps, closed loop loading systems, and data acquisition systems that permit for complex large-scale structural and material testing. Texas State is leading a USDOT Tier I University Transportation Center "Coastal Research and Educations Actions for Transportation Equity" (CREATE), where research activities support coastal infrastructure durability. The candidate is expected to maintain an externally funded research program featuring large-scale structural engineering experimental work in the IRL.
Responsibilities
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will lead funded research projects; supervise graduate research assistants; conduct field experiments; write research proposals and reports; assist undergraduate teaching; represent TxST Next-Gen ITS Lab at major conferences through publishable research work, and/or presentations at professional meetings. The selected candidate will have an opportunity to work in a highly research‐oriented environment and on cutting‐edge research projects related to connected and automated vehicles, active traffic management, traffic operations, traffic simulation, and traffic flow theory. The selected candidate will also be involved in field experiments that are unique in the transportation research community. If desired, a successful applicant will have the opportunity to improve his/her instructional records by teaching sporadic lessons in transportation courses. The position is perfect for recently graduated post‐doctorates who are looking to boost their research and teaching records while searching for more permanent positions in academia.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in civil engineering or another related field with a transportation specialization.
- Demonstrated research publication record.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Potential to collaborate on development of research proposals and grants.
- Demonstrated leadership/managerial skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Past research concentration in connected and automated vehicles, traffic operations, active traffic management, traffic simulation, traffic flow theory, and intelligent transportation systems.
- Traffic simulation experience Aimsun or VISSIM.
- Basic programming (Python, C++, Matlab, etc.).
- Experience with vehicle trajectory data.
Duration of the Position
This is a temporary full‐time (40 hours/week) position with a guaranteed contract for 12 months and an opportunity to extend the position to multiple years, depending on the availability of funding. The position will start on September 1, 2025, or later.
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and names and contact information of at least two references in a single PDF file to Professor David Kan (david.kan@txstate.edu). The applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Eligibility
Applicants must be able to legally work in the US. International citizens eligible for Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) are welcome to apply. International scholars may be eligible for short‐term J1 visas but TxST cannot guarantee that such visas will be issued.
About Texas State and San Marcos:
Texas State University is a emerging research institution located in the burgeoning Austin-San Antonio corridor and in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. It is the largest of eight campuses in the Texas State University System and one of the 75 largest universities in the country, with over 38,000 students and approximately 4,000 faculty and staff.
Texas State is located in San Marcos, a growing community of over 50,000 people located about half way between Austin and San Antonio. Texas State enjoys a setting that is unique among Texas universities. The beauty of the crystal-clear San Marcos River and the stately cypress and pecan trees on the campus add to the charm of the university's picturesque setting. Our location on the banks of the San Marcos River provides outdoor recreational activities throughout the year.
Why work @ Texas State?
Amazing health insurance: various coverage options starting your first day of employment for full-time employees with Texas State paying 100% of the employee premium and 50% for your dependents!
Generous paid time off: vacation, holidays, sick days and many more!
Excellent work life balance resources: mother and family-friendly resources in addition to a comprehensive FREE wellness program
Great professional development opportunities: choose from a variety of workshops, training, online learning and even access educational leave opportunities and reimbursement for academic courses
An inclusive Bobcat community: join our many social networks offered on and off-campus
Retirement peace of mind: TRS pension, retirement plans and voluntary saving options with generous employer contributions
By joining the Texas State Bobcat team, you’ll be a part of one of the most beautiful, diverse, and growing universities in the nation.
