Postdoctoral Research Associate in Catastrophe Modeling and Resilience

Job no: 504052
Work type: Exempt Staff Full-time
Location: Bethlehem
Categories: Postdoc

The Center for Catastrophe Modeling and Resilience (CAT) at Lehigh University is seeking to fill a position for a postdoctoral research associate. The successful candidate will join the thriving activities of the center and contribute to the science developed in a new multi-university consortium, under the supervision of center director Paolo Bocchini. The postdoc will perform collaborative research, develop innovative new approaches to catastrophe modeling and resilience assessment, assist the faculty in developing project proposals, and be mentored by Dr. Bocchini and other faculty in the center to continue their career in academia, industry, or government (former postdocs of the Center have been very successful in obtaining the jobs they wanted).

Position Number: S61780

Anticipated Salary: $65,000 - $70,000 - Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, including benefits.

Key Responsibilities:

The incoming postdoctoral researcher will work on fundamental or applied research in Dr. Bocchini’s research group, with the possibility of conducting multidisciplinary research inside or outside Lehigh. Main research topics include hazard modeling, fragility curve development, and model validation. The successful candidate is expected to develop autonomous research, engage in the research group activities, and participate in the life of the Center for Catastrophe Modeling and Resilience. In-person work is expected.

Other responsibilities may include:

• Assist the PI in progressing the activities of one or two research thrusts.

• Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences.

• Assist in the mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students.

• Contribute to grant writing, including assisting in the development of proposals and identifying funding opportunities.

• Participate in center seminars, workshops, and other events, engaging with the academic community.

• Optional: Contribute to teaching responsibilities, including delivering lectures, and supporting curriculum development (subject to program needs and funding agency requirements).

Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree completed (or near completion) in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related field at the time of application. The degree must be completed by the start of the appointment.

• A good record of research, publications, and strong communication skills.

• Ability to work independently to achieve project objectives, meet project deadlines and reporting requirements, and help mentor other group members.

• Ability to fill an important role in facilitating collaborations with multi-disciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Reliability analysis, regional risk assessment, resilience analysis, and catastrophe modeling.

• Experience with code development and management.

• Technical skills in data science

• Experience in probabilistic modeling and surrogate modeling.

Terms of Appointment:
This is a full-time, one-year position with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. The target starting date is November 2, 2026, but the actual starting date can be negotiated.

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, including benefits. Please visit the Postdoctoral Affairs Office website for the compensation policy at Lehigh University.

Application Process:
Applicants should submit:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Lehigh University offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment that fosters professional growth, personal development, and a strong sense of community. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we value the unique perspectives and experiences of our employees. Competitive benefits, including comprehensive healthcare plans, tuition remission, and retirement savings opportunities, ensure your well-being and long-term success. Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.

• The duties of the position do not allow for a remote work option; the employee in this position will be required to work on campus where they can be fully accessible to the Lehigh community

• This position works with minors

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.

Advertised: September 25, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled