12747 - Research Scientist Structural

Virginia Department of Transportation; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Transportation in Charlottesville seeks an experienced researcher to lead and conduct high-level transportation research across structural, hydraulic, geotechnical, and bridge safety domains. You will plan and direct complex projects, analyze data, and publish results to professional audiences.

The role requires a Master’s (or PhD) in Civil/Transportation Engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with finite element analysis software to advance VDOT

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences at local, state, and national levels.
• Ability to conceptualize and manage multiple complex research projects.
• Ability to independently generate research ideas and assess agency needs.
• Knowledge of advanced research design, statistics, and engineering mathematics.
• Knowledge of civil engineering principles including statics, structural analysis, and materials.
• Master's Degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering or related field.
• PhD in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in conceiving, planning, directing, and conducting highly complex transportation research projects.
• Publish findings through reports, papers, and presentations to professional audiences.
• Develop and implement advanced analytical methods and FE modeling for bridge and structural systems.

Skills

Effective communication

Project management

Research design

Data analysis

Civil engineering principles

Bridge & structural engineering

Computer literacy

Numerical methods

Education

Master's Degree in Civil Engineering

PhD in Civil Engineering

Tools

Finite element analysis software

Job description

Job Description

Provide support to VDOT by conducting and overseeing research and implementation projects that require proficiency in structural design and materials. These projects will advance VDOT’s knowledge of structural, hydraulic or geotechnical engineering, bridge and tunnel safety inspection and repair, structural health monitoring, and/or finite element analysis, and provide the guidance needed to implement them. To conceive, plan, direct, and conduct highly complex research projects in a specialty area that provide a solution to problems or an improvement to technology, procedures, practices, processes or specifications in the area of transportation engineering and road safety.

What Will Make You Successful

• Conduct Research: Conceive, plan, and conduct multiple research projects using state-of-the-art scientific theories, methodologies, and techniques with limited administrative supervision. Initiate, monitor, and participate in contract research projects. Collaborate with support staff or others to collect and validate data. Analyze and interpret data.
• Professional Development: Participate in relevant professional organizations and research committees, such as TRB. Attend specialty conferences and short courses to enhance knowledge and skills. Maintain knowledge of current research in areas of specialization through contact with specialization experts at the state and federal level and through studies of technical journals and publications.
• Publication: Disseminate research findings through written reports; published papers; and presentations to national, state, and VDOT audiences. Provide scientific peer reviews of VTRC colleagues final research reports.
• Technology Assistance: Provide technical assistance, consultative advice, and technology transfer to a broad spectrum of VDOT personnel, FHWA, and other state and local government officials, and external customers.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences at the local, state, and national levels, including preparation of publishable articles for professional journals.
• Ability to conceptualize, develop, manage multiple complex and diverse research projects.
• Ability to independently generate research ideas and assess VDOT's research needs.
• Ability to manage research projects, analyze data, make recommendations and help implement results.
• Knowledge of advanced research design, qualitative, quantitative research method, engineering mathematics, and statistical analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices related to structural engineering to include statics, structural analysis, and strength of materials.
• Knowledge of reinforced and prestressed concrete, structural steel, alternative material design, or soil mechanics.
• Master's Degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering or related field.
• Skill in the use of computers, computer systems software applications used in transportation planning and transportation engineering.

Additional Considerations

• Certification through a technical society such as ACI, ASNT, AWS, or government agency such as FHWA or NHI.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT), Professional Engineer's (PE), or Structural Engineer (SE) license.
• Experience as a member of a research team.
• Experience as a principal investigator.
• Experience in developing and directing all phases of research including the publication and implementation of results.
• Experience in developing research including the publication and implementation of results
• Experience with conducting research both in a laboratory setting and in the field at a bridge site.
• Experience with finite element analysis software.
• Experience with hydraulic structures and Hydraulic Engineering Circulars (HEC), and Hydraulic Design Series (HDS), as published by FHWA.
• Field experience with bridge inspection, testing, or repair.
• Knowledge of National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS).
• Knowledge of VDOT management, operations and field structure.
• Knowledge of VDOT, ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, and AMPP codes, standards, specifications.
• PhD in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering or related field.

About Us

VDOT utilizes a market based pay program, which has been approved by DHRM. Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.

Please be aware all VDOT positions require pre-employment screenings. These screenings may include the following:

• Fingerprint based Criminal History Background Check
• DMV Record Check
• Work History Verification
• References
• Pre-employment physical
• Drug screen