Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004126)

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University seeks a PREP Research Associate in Gaithersburg, MD. This role involves developing test methods for alternative cementitious materials and requires a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, or related fields. Candidates should have experience with quantitative lab measurements, statistical methods, and computational tools. Responsibilities include modeling phase changes in low-carbon binders and translating findings into building code proposals. The university is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusivity and accommodation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field focused on cementitious materials.
• Experience conducting quantitative measurements on cementitious materials.
• Ability to apply statistical methods to quantify uncertainty in experimental measurements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate test methods for characterizing alternative cementitious materials.
• Lead standardization efforts for elemental analysis of concrete pore solutions.
• Apply thermodynamic modeling to predict phase changes in cements under climate scenarios.
• Analyze data and quantify uncertainty in service-life predictions.
• Translate research findings into actionable proposals for building codes.

Skills

Quantitative laboratory measurements

Computational tools (e.g., COMSOL, Python, MATLAB, R)

Uncertainty quantification methods

Statistical methods

Education

Ph.D. in relevant fields (Chemistry, Physics, etc.)

Tools

X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)

Isothermal calorimetry

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Job description

Position Title

PREP Research Associate

General Description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. Employees in this role will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration within the Infrastructure Materials Group (IMG), focusing on low‑carbon binders such as Type IL and Calcium Sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements.

Research Title

Advanced Metrology for Novel Infrastructure Materials

Key Responsibilities

• Advance Measurement Science: Develop and validate novel test methods for characterizing alternative cementitious materials, linking microstructural development to macro‑scale transport properties.
• Pore Solution Characterization: Lead efforts to standardize X‑ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques for elemental analysis of concrete pore solutions, establishing protocols for accuracy and repeatability.
• Durability Modeling: Apply thermodynamic modeling to predict phase changes (e.g., carbonation, chloride binding) in Type IL and CSA cements under varying climate scenarios.
• Uncertainty Quantification: Use advanced statistical frameworks (Bayesian inference, Monte Carlo simulations) to analyze experimental data and quantify uncertainty in service‑life predictions for code development.
• Code & Standard Development: Translate research findings into actionable proposals for ASTM and ACI committees, directly influencing the next generation of building codes.

Qualifications – Required

• Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Materials Science with a focus on cementitious materials.
• Cementitious Materials Science Background: Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative laboratory measurements on cementitious materials, including X‑ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), isothermal calorimetry, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
• Modeling and Computational: Demonstrated experience using computational tools such as COMSOL, Python, MATLAB, or R.
• Uncertainty Quantification: Demonstrated ability to apply statistical methods beyond linear least‑squares regression to quantify uncertainty in experimental measurements.

Qualifications – Preferred

• Specialized Metrology: Peer‑reviewed publication utilizing quantitative phase analysis (QPA) with XRD or composition analysis using XRF.
• Transport & Durability: Understanding of the Nernst‑Einstein relationship, electrical resistivity measurements, and determination of the Formation Factor in cementitious systems.
• Thermodynamic Modeling: Proficiency with geochemical modeling software (e.g., GEMS, PHREEQC, or Oli) to simulate cement hydration and phase stability in low‑carbon binders.
• Alternative Binder Expertise: Research experience with Calcium Sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements, Type IL cements, or alkali‑activated materials.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. The university provides qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits, and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance, and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.

Disability

For assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre‑employment process, contact the HR Business Services Office at [e-mail]. The university complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EEO Statement

The Johns Hopkins University is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to all applicable U.S. federal, state, and local laws. EEO is the law, and the University commits to providing an inclusive environment for all employees.