Research Scientist

Responsibilities

• The research scientist will work on a MassDOT-funded research project focused on evaluating emerging binders, alternative supplementary cementitious materials, and advanced chemical admixtures for use in durable, low-carbon concrete for highway infrastructure.
• The project will investigate materials such as limestone calcined clay cement / Type IC cement, low-heat performance cement, alkali-activated cementitious materials, natural volcanic ash, colloidal silica admixtures, and permeability-reducing admixtures.
• The successful candidate will work closely with faculty investigators, graduate students, MassDOT Research and Materials Laboratory staff, concrete producers, and industry partners to support laboratory testing, field-relevant mock-ups, data analysis, reporting, and technology transfer.
• Required Qualifications:
• Applicants should have:
• A Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in cementitious materials, concrete technology, construction materials, or infrastructure materials.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory testing of cement paste, mortar, or concrete.
• Familiarity with ASTM, AASHTO, or similar testing standards for cement and concrete materials.
• Strong data analysis, technical writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with faculty, students, agency partners, and industry collaborators.

Requirements

• Preferred candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Low-carbon cement, blended cement, LC³, calcined clay, natural pozzolans, or alternative SCMs.
• Alkali-activated cementitious materials or geopolymer systems.
• Concrete durability testing, including ASR, chloride transport, electrical resistivity, formation factor, freeze-thaw, scaling, or permeability-related testing.
• Cement hydration and microstructural characterization using calorimetry, XRD, TGA, FTIR, SEM-EDS, MIP, or related methods.
• Thermodynamic or geochemical modeling of cementitious systems.
• Concrete rheology, workability, finishability, or field placement evaluation.
• Experience working with DOTs, transportation agencies, concrete producers, or industry partners.
• Preparation of agency reports, technical specifications, peer-reviewed publications, and implementation guidance.
• To Apply:
• Please submit a cover letter and CV for consideration.

Benefits

Additional Information

JOB TITLE Research Scientist LOCATION Worcester DEPARTMENT NAME Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering - NFR JM DIVISION NAME Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute invites applications for a Research Scientist position in the area of low-carbon cement concrete materials, durability, and infrastructure applications. JOB DESCRIPTION

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