Senior Research Scientist

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

M&P - AAPS

Job Profile

AAPS Salaried - Scientific Eng., Level A

Job Title

Senior Research Scientist

Department

Yang | Department of Civil Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science

Compensation Range

$6,251.00 - $8,986.00 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date

June 19, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

June 21, 2027

 

 

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary

Prof. Tony T.Y. Yang is hiring a Senior Research Scientist in UBC Smart Structures to conduct smart construction research. The position is expected to lead and coordinate activities across multiple Smart Construction research projects within UBC Smart Structures. Current projects include:

• 5G based AI-enabled Smart Construction Projects: Develop cutting edge AI algorithms and robotics for smart construction.
• Smart Infrastructure and Structural Health Monitoring: Develop AI algorithms for energy usage detection and structural health monitoring.

Organizational Status

The candidate will be part of the research team at UBC Smart Structures. He/she will lead and coordinate multiple Smart Construction research projects and related technical activities within UBC Smart Structures. He/she will be directly supervised by Prof. T.Y. Yang. Regular meetings with Prof. Yang will be required for this position.

Work Performed

• Smart Construction Research Leadership: Lead and coordinate the day-to-day execution of multiple Smart Construction research projects, including planning, implementation, and technical oversight, ensuring alignment with the research objectives of UBC Smart Structures.
• Advanced Sensing and Instrumentation Systems: Apply advanced technical expertise and independent judgment in the design, configuration, deployment, and evaluation of sensing and data acquisition systems within Smart Construction research projects. Evaluate the impact of sensor configurations, instrumentation decisions, and data quality on downstream AI algorithms, robotics systems, and automated construction workflows.
• Data Analytics and AI Applications: Responsible for the development and application of AI-based methods for energy usage detection, structural condition assessment, and intelligent decision-making in Smart Construction and infrastructure systems.
• Technical Integration and Experimental Research: Integrate knowledge of sensing technologies, data acquisition systems, robotics, and computational methods to support technical decision-making during laboratory experiments and field deployments across multiple research projects.
• Research Coordination and Mentorship: Oversee day-to-day research activities and ensure effective execution of experimental and field-based work across concurrent projects. Provide technical guidance and research direction to postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and research assistants engaged in project activities.
• Research Reporting and Collaboration: Participate in regular meetings with Prof. T.Y. Yang to report progress, discuss technical challenges, adjust research plans, and support UBC Smart Structures initiatives.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The position requires a high degree of independent judgment in the planning and execution of Smart Construction research activities. Errors in judgment may result in inaccurate research findings, loss of valuable research data, delays in project milestones, ineffective deployment of sensing and AI systems, damage to specialized equipment, missed sponsor deliverables, and reputational impact to UBC Smart Structures and its research partners.

Supervision Received
Prof. Tony T.Y. Yang (yang@civil.ubc.ca) will provide high-level supervision to the candidates to ensure the quality and correctness of the work. The candidates will frequently interact with the Prof. Tony T.Y. Yang through email or weekly meetings to report the progress of the project.

Supervision Given
Provides technical and research project leadership, training, and day-to-day coordination to postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and research assistants involved in Smart Construction research activities. No formal administrative supervision.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Applied Science. Minimum of one year of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD degree in Engineering, Applied Science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in Smart Construction, Structural Health Monitoring, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, or related areas.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications; multiple publications are considered an asset.
• Experience working with robotic systems, sensing systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and solve complex technical problems.
• Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary research teams.