POSITION STATEMENT ACADEMIC STAFF

UTS:HUMAN RESOURCES

POSITION: Postdoctoral Research Associate

FACULTY: Faculty of Engineering and IT, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

ACADEMIC SUPERVISOR’S NAME: Distinguished Professor Buddhima Indraratna

POSITION: Director of Transport Research Centre
DUTIES OF THE POSITION: Research/Supervision

POSITION PURPOSE

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will undertake research at the Faculty of Engineering and IT to
investigate the causative factors of undrained instability of soft soil under transport embankments and to
assess the effectiveness of vertical drains in stabilising subgrade soil subjected to train (cyclic) loading. The
Research Associate will be collaborating closely with investigators to solve the problems of rail track
instability using subsurface drainage. The incumbent will also be involved in the supervision of HDR
students.

RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP

• Conduct literature reviews to develop up-to-date understanding of research area

• Generate high-quality research publications and project reports, meeting deadlines without
compromising research quality
• Develop, conduct and monitor experimental simulations
• Develop numerical simulations
• Conduct field trials
• Design a laboratory large-scale modelling to capture the role of drainage on undrained instability and
softening of subgrades under cyclic loading
• Reporting the research progress to the investigators
• Assist in supervising HDR students

ADMINISTRATION, MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

• Contribute to the administrative aspects of research project operations

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders
• To undertake special projects, which will benefit the academic work of UTS as directed by their
supervisor.

CONSULTING/EXTERNAL ACTIVITIES

• Working with the industry partners to secure approval for design plans from regulatory authorities.
• Develop and promote the University, Faculty and School’s relations with professional, government and
industry bodies

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 UTS CAPABILITIES
Further information can be found in the following weblink:
It would also be appropriate to discuss the UTS capabilities required for the role with your HR Partner. Please
note that this section should also be included in non-management positions. Please choose a maximum of
6-8 Capabilities.

Pipeline
Category Self Awareness Relating to Others Thinking Style Performance
Displays courage Collaborates Inspires innovation Achieves results
Capabilities Adapts and Enhances team Embraces diversity Manages projects
responds to change effectiveness

HEALTH AND SAFETY

All staff must:

• Take reasonable care of, and cooperate with actions taken to protect, the health and safety of both
themselves and others and

• Follow specific health and safety procedures as directed and comply with the requirements of UTS
Health and Safety policy which is accessible at: http://www.gsu.uts.edu.au/policies/health-safety-
policy.html
• Thoroughly understand the UTS Health & Safety Management System, and how to implement the UTS
Health and Safety Policy and related risk management programs that apply to the area of
responsibility.
• Understand the major hazards, risks profile, compliance requirements and correct safe work
procedures in their area of responsibility, including the reporting of hazards and incidents.
• Ensure that staff receive the necessary induction, training and instruction about work health and
safety.
• Assist the Dean/Director in developing, implementing and monitoring the local area Health and Safety
Plan.
• Fulfil any assigned responsibilities under the UTS and local area Health and Safety Plan, including
communication and consultation with stakeholders regarding work health and safety risks in their area
of responsibility.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to health and safety by challenging unsafe behaviour/attitude and
providing leadership on work health and safety matters.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT

Staff members are responsible for complying with the Records Management Program for their faculty or
area.

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KEY SELECTION CRITERIA ACADEMIC STAFF
UTS:HUMAN RESOURCES

POSITION: Postdoctoral Research Associate

FACULTY/SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT/UNIT: Faculty of Engineering and IT,
School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Skills and Attributes

• Demonstrated self-motivation and ability to work independently on any given task.

• Ability to develop innovative approaches to solving research problems and delivering results to meet
industrial needs
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills including strong presentation skills to report
research progress to academic and industry partners.
• Excellent interpersonal skills supported by negotiation, verbal reasoning and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, independently or in teams, prioritising tasks and
meeting strict deadlines.
• Ability and capacity to implement required health and safety policies and procedures

Knowledge

• Knowledge of geotechnical testing especially large-scale test.

• Knowledge of rail track geotechnology.
• Knowledge of analytical and numerical modelling of vertical drain and cyclic loading

Qualifications

PhD in geotechnical engineering

Experience required

• Experience in advanced geotechnical laboratory experiments.

• Experience in collaborating closely with investigators
• Experience in analytical and numerical modelling of vertical drain and cyclic loading
• Good publication record in recognised journals.