Position Description
Two Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) positions are available in Dr. Phuong Nguyen’s Construction Engineering and Management research group at South Dakota State University. Successful candidates will work on funded projects involving risk‐based analysis for construction material testing and inspection, AI/digital technology and GIS to optimize project delivery, and computer‐based simulation with wearable physiological sensors.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or relevant fields
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- GRE: Minimum 150 Verbal, Minimum 148 Quantitative
- TOEFL: 575 (paper based) or 90–91 (internet based) or IELTS: Overall Minimum 6.5, Speaking minimum 6.5 or Duolingo: 115
Preferred Qualifications
- Programming and data analysis skills
- Experience in machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, computer vision, simulation, and/or wearable sensors
Research Topics/Area
- Risk‐based analysis for construction material testing and inspection activities
- Implementation of AI, digital technology, and geographic information systems for project delivery optimization
- Computer‐based simulation enhanced by wearable physiological sensors
Project Details
- Advancing risk-based analysis for construction material testing and inspection activities
- Funding agency: South Dakota Department of Transportation
- Implementing artificial intelligence, digital technology, and geographic information system to optimize project delivery
- Funding agency: South Carolina Department of Transportation
- Improving computer-based simulation using wearable physiological sensors
- Funding agency: Society for Simulation in Healthcare
Funding
Each GRA position is funded through one of the three listed projects, supported respectively by:
- South Dakota Department of Transportation
- South Carolina Department of Transportation
- Society for Simulation in Healthcare
Apply
To apply, please send the following to Dr. Nguyen at mailto:Phuong.Nguyen@sdstate.edu:
- Your current CV
- A one-page description of your research interests and experience
Applications are reviewed on receipt; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. Position is open until filled.
About PI/Dr./Professor
Dr. Phuong Nguyen leads the Construction Engineering and Management research group within the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, focusing on integrating advanced analytical techniques, digital technologies, and human‐centered sensing into construction engineering research.
Application Deadline
Open until filled
About University
Founded in 1881, South Dakota State University is the state’s largest and most comprehensive public land-grant research university. It offers over 200 academic programs, enrolls approximately 12,000 students, and maintains over $84 million in annual research expenditures. Its graduate programs are classified as Doctoral, STEM-dominant.
About the Location
Brookings, South Dakota is a vibrant college town in eastern South Dakota, home to SDSU. It offers a low cost of living, strong community support for research and education, and proximity (≈50 miles) to Sioux Falls for additional professional and cultural opportunities.