Research Associate

Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, MA seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance machine learning and agentic AI methods for chemical and environmental engineering. The role centers on hybrid physics- and data-driven models, digital twins, and autonomous workflows for complex reaction and process systems.

You will work with chemical engineers to apply ML to practical engineering problems, develop surrogate models, and contribute to research publications.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Experience applying machine learning to engineering systems.
• Publication record in machine learning, scientific computing or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Develop machine learning and agentic AI methods for chemical engineering applications.
• Collaborate with chemical engineers to develop digital twins and autonomous workflows for complex reaction and process systems.

Tools

Python

ML frameworks

Job description

Job Description Summary

We seek a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop machine learning and agentic AI methods for chemical and environmental engineering applications. The successful candidate will work closely with chemical engineers to develop hybrid physics- and data-driven models, digital twins, and autonomous workflows for complex reaction and process systems.

Job Title

Research Associate

Location

Worcester

Department Name

Chemical Engineering - NFR JM

Division Name

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, Operations Research, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience applying machine learning to physical, engineering, or scientific systems.
• Strong proficiency in Python and modern machine learning frameworks.
• Experience developing regression, surrogate, optimization, or uncertainty quantification models for engineering applications.
• Publication record in machine learning, scientific computing, process systems engineering, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing digital twins for engineering systems.
• Experience integrating machine learning with mechanistic or first-principles models.
• Experience with scientific machine learning, physics-informed ML, Bayesian methods, or uncertainty quantification.
• Experience with Aspen Plus, gPROMS, COMSOL, Cantera, or related process simulation software.
• Experience applying LLMs or agentic AI systems to scientific and engineering workflows.
• Familiarity with TEA, LCA, process optimization, or reaction engineering.
• Preference for candidates with research experience in process systems engineering, process modeling and simulation, reaction engineering, scientific machine learning, or digital twin development.

Compensation

Salary: $55,000 to $65,000 per year. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. WPI's benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more!

FLSA Status

United States of America (Exempt)

Equal Opportunity Employer

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.

About WPI

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a vibrant community of extraordinary students, talented and dedicated staff, and world-renowned faculty. Along with its state-of-the-art research facilities, WPI, offers competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement savings plans, tuition assistance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and a working environment that prioritizes mental health and well-being. It is a community committed to civility and respect - making inclusion and belonging a reality for everyone on its campus.