Assistant Research Scientist (PREP0004347)

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University seeks a PREP Research Associate specializing in experimental flow measurement and instrumentation. This position involves designing advanced measurement systems and collaborating with scientists to automate setups.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, with experience in fluid mechanics and sensor instrumentation preferred. Proficiency in LabVIEW, Python, and MATLAB is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree related to engineering or physics, Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience or coursework in experimental fluid mechanics and sensor instrumentation.
• Proficiency with data acquisition and experimental software.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain experimental flow measurement systems.
• Collaborate on flow measurement setups and automate processes.
• Calibrate flow instruments with national standards.

Skills

Experimental fluid mechanics

Sensor instrumentation

Data acquisition software (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB)

CAD software

CFD simulations

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field (Master’s preferred)

Tools

LabVIEW

Python

MATLAB

CAD software

Job description

Position Overview

PREP Research Associate – Research Scientist – Experimental Flow Measurement and Instrumentation with Automated Data Acquisition. Part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain advanced experimental flow measurement systems.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to create, upgrade, and automate flow measurement setups.
• Calibrate flow instruments using national standards for high precision and traceability.
• Plan and implement experiments, including data acquisition, analysis, and uncertainty evaluation.
• Integrate and troubleshoot sensors and flow devices (pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, humidity sensors, anemometers, flow meters).
• Maintain and develop LabVIEW software and Python programs for data acquisition and automation.
• Fabricate custom experimental components using CAD and machining, 3D printing, or other methods.
• Run computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or other simulations to support experimental design.
• Apply fluid‑mechanics principles to design, troubleshoot, and optimize measurement systems.
• Prepare reports, papers, and presentations to communicate results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience or coursework in experimental fluid mechanics, flow measurement, or sensor instrumentation.
• Proficiency with data acquisition and experimental software such as LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB.
• Experience with CAD software and basic fabrication for experimental setups.
• Knowledge of CFD simulations is a plus.
• Understanding of measurement uncertainty, calibration, and traceability to standards is a plus.
• Strong problem‑solving, teamwork, and communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship is preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to equal opportunity for all applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.