The Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering at the University of New Mexico (UNM), located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, invites applications from highly motivated individuals for a Ph.D. position in Civil Engineering. Successful candidates will engage in pioneering, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of geomechanics, computational mechanics, fracture and damage mechanics, and data-driven artificial intelligence approaches. The research program focuses heavily on solving complex, real-world problems involving natural hazards, infrastructure safety, and advanced geomaterials. Students will work within a collaborative academic environment designed to foster critical thinking, rigorous experimentation, and high-impact publications.

Research Focus & Responsibilities

• Interdisciplinary Investigation: Conducting cutting-edge research combining computational modeling, mechanics, and data-driven methods.
• Geomaterials & Infrastructure: Applying advanced mechanical principles to study the behavior of materials under stress and natural hazards.
• Algorithmic & Numerical Solutions: Utilizing programming and data-driven frameworks to simulate structural and geotechnical phenomena.
• Academic Dissemination: Preparing research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at academic conferences.
• Independent Project Management: Driving research projects from conceptualization to completion under faculty mentorship.

Eligibility Criteria

• Academic Background: Applicants should hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, or closely related technical fields.
• Technical & Analytical Skills: Familiarity or experience with numerical modeling, computer programming, laboratory testing, or machine learning is welcomed and considered a strong asset, though not strictly mandatory for consideration.
• Research Potential: Demonstrated capacity for independent study, scientific rigor, and problem-solving in applied engineering contexts.

Funding Coverage & Benefits

• Ph.D. Financial Support: The position is expected to include comprehensive funding support, subject to admission and university requirements.
• Professional Growth: Access to institutional resources, laboratory facilities, and interdisciplinary collaboration networks at UNM.

Application Process

Interested candidates should prepare their application portfolio and contact Dr. Micaela Mercuri directly via email at micaelamercuri@libero.it.

• Required Documents: Curriculum Vitae (CV), official academic transcripts, and a brief written statement describing research interests alongside relevant technical experience.
• Submission Guidelines: Compile all materials and send them directly to the designated faculty email address for review.