Job Description

Position Title:

Bridge Engineering Researcher

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Are you looking for a bridge engineering career where every project presents a new challenge, every day brings a different problem to solve, and your work directly supports transportation agencies and the future of our nation's infrastructure?

If so, the Bridge Engineering Center (BEC) with the Institute for Transportation (InTrans) at Iowa State University is seeking applicants for a Bridge Engineering Researcher! This position will be classified as a Research Scientist II.

What You'll Do:

• Conduct structural and bridge engineering research.

• Perform structural analysis, modeling, laboratory testing, and field testing of bridge systems.

• Analyze and interpret engineering data to evaluate bridge performance.

• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and research publications.

• Provide technical support and data analysis for project sponsors and stakeholders.

• Assist with identifying research funding opportunities and developing proposals.

• Collaborate with internal and external partners on sponsored research projects.

• Maintain expertise in emerging bridge engineering technologies and practices.

• Participate in professional development activities, conferences, and industry engagement.

This is a one-year, fixed term position with the opportunity for renewal.

Occasional travel will be involved in this role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Civil, Structural, or Construction Engineering; or related engineering field.

• Bridge engineering education or experience.

• Experience with or exposure to construction practices, work sites, equipment, and tools.

• Experience preparing technical reports, presentations, and research publications.

About Bridge Engineering Center:

The Bridge Engineering Center focuses on maintaining and improving bridge infrastructure assets through new construction approaches, new materials, better inspection approaches, better management philosophies, and the development of bridge preservation techniques. To learn more, please visit BEC.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans

• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans

• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

• Life insurance and long-term disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Various voluntary benefits and discounts

• Employee Assistance Program

• Wellbeing program

• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

August 30, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS808

Original Posting Date:

July 23, 2026

Posting Close Date:

July 29, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19654

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.