Research Associate

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Blacksburg, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech seeks a Research Associate to conduct hands-on research in construction engineering and materials, reporting to the Principal Investigator. The role blends lab work, field support, and data documentation, requiring flexibility across environments in Blacksburg, VA and occasional travel to project sites within the Commonwealth.

The successful candidate will have a Master’s degree in a related field and experience with 3D printing, SOPs, and data reporting.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Environmental Design and Planning, Architecture, Materials or Mechanical Engineering (exception for bachelor's with relevant experience possible).
• Experience with construction-scale additive manufacturing (3D concrete printing) or advanced construction materials evaluation.
• Experience with SOPs for 3DCP operations.
• Knowledge of digital design and construction tools (e.g., Revit, Navisworks, BIM).
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and documenting technical data and communicating results.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research under supervision, applying standard and non-standard methods for construction engineering and materials.
• Prepare clear technical reports and presentations communicating results to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Input into project development, budgeting, and scheduling; coordinate work of students and support personnel.
• Move between laboratory, warehouse, and field environments and coordinate with partners.
• Provide input for quality control and field operations planning.

Skills

Research experience

3DCP SOPs

Data analysis

Reporting skills

Project coordination

Education

Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

Revit

Navisworks

BIM tools

Job description

Job Description

The Research Associate conducts research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior project staff, applying both standard and non-standard methods appropriate to construction engineering, materials, and building science. The incumbent recognizes problems and inconsistencies in data, proposes solutions and interpretations, and prepares clear technical reports. The Research Associate may provide input into project development, budgeting, and scheduling, and may coordinate the work of students and support personnel, but has limited independent authority for research conceptualization or resource acquisition. This position is not eligible to serve as Principal Investigator.

The role blends laboratory research, field and warehouse production support, digital documentation, and partner coordination. The successful candidate is a hands-on, organized, and adaptable professional who is comfortable moving between a materials laboratory, an active printing and construction environment, academics, and a data and reporting workspace.

The successful candidate should be familiar with construction field operations, site logistics, scheduling, and quality control, and be able to work in a laboratory, warehouse, and active construction environments. They must also have the willingness and ability to work on-site in Blacksburg, Virginia, with periodic travel to project field sites within the Commonwealth (including Richmond-area deployment sites).

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Environmental Design and Planning, Architecture, Materials or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field. (An exception may be considered for candidates holding a bachelor’s degree with significant relevant experience, consistent with Virginia Tech research faculty rank criteria.)
• Demonstrated research or applied experience with one or more of the following: construction-scale additive manufacturing (3D concrete printing), industrialized or prefabricated construction, and advanced construction materials evaluation.
• Experience working with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for 3DCP operations.
• Working knowledge of digital design and construction tools, such as building information modeling (e.g., Revit, Navisworks, or equivalent), computational design, reality capture, or robotic/automation workflows.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and documenting technical data, and preparing reports, presentations, or publications communicating results to technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience operating or supporting 3D concrete printing systems, including print file preparation, printing layout and scheduling, mix design, and on-site or warehouse robotic operation.
• Experience with materials testing and durability characterization (e.g., strength, freeze-thaw, or non-destructive evaluation) and with quality assurance/quality control documentation.
• Familiarity with performance verification and code-acceptance pathways for innovative construction methods, including UL 3401 information requirements or analogous alternative-materials approval processes.
• Experience with digital twins, LiDAR or 3D scanning, progress monitoring, or data visualization and dashboarding (e.g., Power BI or equivalent).
• Experience collaborating with nonprofit housing providers, builders, or public agencies.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$61,800

Hours per week

40 hours - regular schedule

Review Date

08/17/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Sara Phillipsat [e-mail] regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.