Research Associate, Low-Carbon Cement & Concrete R&D

Fortera Corporation; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

HSA & FSA options

401k – both traditional and Roth

Job summary

Fortera Corporation seeks a Research Associate to join its San Jose, CA lab, supporting cement and concrete product development. You will prepare mixtures, perform ASTM-based testing, and help design experiments under scientists’ guidance.

The role resides in the Product team within Fortera's R&D department, collaborating with chemists and engineers to analyze data and drive process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of professional/industry laboratory experience in R&D or testing.
• Experience working safely in a laboratory environment with chemicals and laboratory equipment.
• Ability to follow experimental procedures and perform testing consistently and repeatably.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated scientific problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to accurately document, organize, and communicate experimental findings.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Willingness to learn new testing methods, equipment, and technical concepts.
• Strong interest in developing a career in research and product development.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cement-based paste, mortar, and concrete mixtures and evaluate their performance.
• Perform standardized mortar and concrete testing in accordance with ASTM and other applicable testing standards.
• Conduct novel product and performance testing to support research and product development.
• Perform experiments under the guidance of scientists and contribute to experimental planning.
• Accurately collect, organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
• Use research findings to support product and process improvements.
• Operate analytical and materials characterization equipment, such as SEM, XRD, and TGA, as needed.
• Document experimental procedures and results and present findings during research meetings.
• Maintain laboratory supplies, consumables, chemicals, equipment, and inventory records.
• Conduct routine safety inspections and support a clean and organized laboratory environment.
• Follow all laboratory safety procedures and lean practices.

Skills

Attention to detail

Scientific problem-solving

Critical thinking

Documentation & communication

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field

Tools

SEM

XRD

TGA

Job description

Fortera Corporation seeks a Research Associate to join its San Jose, CA lab, supporting cement and concrete product development. You will prepare mixtures, perform ASTM-based testing, and help design experiments under scientists’ guidance.

The role resides in the Product team within Fortera's R&D department, collaborating with chemists and engineers to analyze data and drive process improvements.