The Geomaterials Research Laboratory (GeoRL) at Howard University has two fully funded Ph.D. positions in geotechnical engineering, starting Spring/Fall 2025. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to perform cutting edge research in geotechnical engineering, covering both fundamental and applied research. We are seeking candidates with expertise in the areas of:

Area 1: Advanced laboratory testing of geomaterials-selected candidate will have expertise in laboratory testing of soils, including but not limited to triaxial, consolidation, and direct shear testing. The candidate will also work on thermomechanical and bio-amended soils testing. Familiarity with microscale characterization of soils, such as X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy are desired but not required.

Area 2: Numerical modeling of geomaterials-selected candidate will have strong background in geomechanics. Candidate will work on both continuum and particulate modeling of soils. Experience with FLAC, COMSOL Multiphysics, or PFC software packages is highly desired. Strong background in programing is required, with familiarity in C++ programing being a plus.

A minimum quantitative reasoning GRE score of 160 will be accepted. Please refer to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering website for additional admission requirements.

Apply

Qualified candidates should email Dr. Karam A Jaradat (karam.jaradat@howard.edu) with their CV and cover letter detailing their experience and fit to the announced position (area 1 or area 2).

About GeoRL

The newly established GeoRL at Howard University aims to innovate practical measures of geomaterials stability and behavior amid natural disasters such as flooding, extreme temperatures, and earthquakes. To achieve this goal, we perform advanced laboratory testing and numerical modeling of geomaterials, with an ultimate goal of meeting the societal needs and designing resilient and efficient infrastructure. More information will be published online soon.

About the Director

Prof. Karam A Jaradat, the director of GeoRL, holds a Ph.D. degree in civil engineering from Stony Brook University. He is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Virginia. Prof. Jaradat has over seven years of academic and practical experience in geotechnical engineering. Prior joining Howard, he worked for Jacobs Engineering Group in Washington DC, then worked as a research scientist at Virginia Tech.

About Howard University and Washington, D.C.

Howard University is a private research institution located in the capital of the United States. The department has 7 full-time faculty with state-of-art research and teaching laboratories in different civil engineering disciplines. The dynamic Washington D.C. area offers tremendous opportunities for professional development and for students to engage in different activities. The city is located on the east bank of the Potomac River, which forms its southwestern border with Virginia and borders Maryland to its north and east.