Research Scientist

3M HEALTHCARE; Maryland; On-site; USD 60,300 - 73,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust retirement match

Wellness perks

Tuition assistance

Job summary

SwiftCruit is seeking a Research Scientist to engage in low-carbon cement research at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The role involves evaluating innovative materials and collaborating with various stakeholders including faculty, industry partners, and students.

The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering or related field, equipped with strong skills in laboratory testing and data analysis. A salary of $67,000 is offered alongside a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Experience in laboratory testing for concrete and cement materials.
• Strong background in data analysis and technical writing.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate low-carbon cement for highway infrastructure.
• Conduct laboratory testing and data analysis.
• Collaborate with faculty, students, and industry partners.

Skills

Cementitious materials

Data analysis

Technical writing

Laboratory testing

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

Calorimetry

XRD

TGA

FTIR

SEM-EDS

Job description

JOB TITLE Research Scientist

LOCATION Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering - NFR JM

DIVISION NAME Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute invites applications for a Research Scientist position in the area of low‑carbon cement concrete materials, durability, and infrastructure applications.

Job Description

Responsibilities: The research scientist will work on a MassDOT‑funded research project focused on evaluating emerging binders, alternative supplementary cementitious materials, and advanced chemical admixtures for use in durable, low‑carbon concrete for highway infrastructure.

The project will investigate materials such as limestone calcined clay cement / Type IC cement, low‑heat performance cement, alkali‑activated cementitious materials, natural volcanic ash, colloidal silica admixtures, and permeability‑reducing admixtures.

The successful candidate will work closely with faculty investigators, graduate students, MassDOT Research and Materials Laboratory staff, concrete producers, and industry partners to support laboratory testing, field‑relevant mock‑ups, data analysis, reporting, and technology transfer.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in cementitious materials, concrete technology, construction materials, or infrastructure materials.
• Hands‑on experience with laboratory testing of cement paste, mortar, or concrete.
• Familiarity with ASTM, AASHTO, or similar testing standards for cement and concrete materials.
• Strong data analysis, technical writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with faculty, students, agency partners, and industry collaborators.

Preferred Qualifications

• Low‑carbon cement, blended cement, LC³, calcined clay, natural pozzolans, or alternative SCMs.
• Alkali‑activated cementitious materials or geopolymer systems.
• Concrete durability testing, including ASR, chloride transport, electrical resistivity, formation factor, freeze–thaw, scaling, or permeability‑related testing.
• Cement hydration and microstructural characterization using calorimetry, XRD, TGA, FTIR, SEM‑EDS, MIP, or related methods.
• Thermodynamic or geochemical modeling of cementitious systems.
• Concrete rheology, workability, finishability, or field placement evaluation.
• Experience working with DOTs, transportation agencies, concrete producers, or industry partners.
• Preparation of agency reports, technical specifications, peer‑reviewed publications, and implementation guidance.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and CV for consideration.

Compensation

Salary: $67,000. 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.