Duke University, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Position ID:
Duke-Civil and Environmental Engineering-VRS_WIESNER [#31284]
Position Title:
Visiting Research Scholar
Position Location:
Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States of America
Subject Area:
Appl Deadline:
(posted 2025/11/25, listed until 2025/12/05)
Position Description:
*** the listing date or deadline for this position has passed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***
Position Description
Job Summary The visiting research scholar will lead the development and integration of computational models describing the environmental fate of plastics and their chemical additives. This project, part of the INFRAMES Challenge Area on Consequences of Micro/Nano Plastics, aims to unify existing models of fragmentation and additive leaching into a single, robust framework capable of simulating coupled physical and chemical degradation processes. The position involves both theoretical and applied research, bridging numerical modeling with experimental validation in collaboration with international partners. Work Performed • Develop and implement a unified computational model combining ODE-based fragmentation and PDE-based additive leaching processes. • Incorporate chemical reaction modules to simulate transformation product formation and redistribution during fragmentation events. • Design and execute case studies using experimental datasets generated at Duke University to validate model performance. • Conduct parameter sweeps (e.g., diffusion coefficients, fragmentation rates, particle size distributions) to assess numerical stability and environmental relevance. • Collaborate with Duke faculty and international partners to integrate empirical data, calibrate models, and prepare joint publications. • Participate in cross-institutional training, seminars, and collaborative workshops to advance predictive modeling and sustainability research. • Contribute to the preparation of research proposals and dissemination of findings through conferences and peer-reviewed journals. Required Qualifications Education/Training: Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, or a related field. Experience: Demonstrated experience in environmental modeling, numerical simulation (ODE/PDE), or computational chemistry. Familiarity with polymer science, chemical degradation kinetics, or contaminant transport modeling preferred. Evidence of independent research productivity through publications or equivalent scholarly outputs. Skills: • Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar). • Proficiency in numerical methods for coupled differential equation systems. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and international teams. Preferred Qualifications Experience integrating modeling with experimental data; prior collaboration in multi-institutional research networks; interest in sustainability, materials science, and environmental health. Working Conditions Primarily office and computational laboratory work. Occasional participation in collaborative meetings, seminars, and international research coordination activities. Job Duration Fixed-term appointment (3 months on-site; February–April 2026), with potential for continued collaboration through joint publications and follow-on proposals.Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Application Materials Required:
Submit the following item online at this website to complete your application:
- Curriculum Vitae
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info: