Senior Research Engineer

American Society of Civil Engineers; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Asphalt Institute seeks a senior research leader to develop and manage asphalt mixtures research programs and testing projects. You will oversee laboratory testing, analyze results, and prepare technical reports and papers for dissemination in journals and proceedings.

Collaborating with leadership and external partners, you will guide budgets, timelines, and staff development to advance asphalt technology and industry standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field; PE license required.
• Eight+ years postgraduate experience in asphalt materials testing, characterization, and analyses.
• Strong project management skills and ability to lead laboratory teams.
• Proficient in standard IT platforms and scientific reporting.

Responsibilities

• Develops and acquires research programs and conducts asphalt mixtures research.
• Oversees laboratory testing and analyzes results; writes reports and research papers.
• Leads and mentors laboratory staff and interns in the Mixtures Performance Lab.
• Prepares budgets and tracks lab expenditures; ensures compliance with objectives.
• Represents the organization in professional associations and conferences.

Skills

Project management

Laboratory testing procedures

Statistical analysis techniques

Written and verbal communication

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under general administrative and technical direction from the Vice President of Research and Laboratory Services, develops and acquires research programs and conducts asphalt mixtures research as contracted by private and public organizations. Promotes and acquires mixture performance testing projects and forensic analyses for private and public entities. Collaborates with leadership, laboratory, and engineering staff on research and testing projects, as appropriate. Conducts, within budget constraints, internal research on timely technical matters of importance to the Asphalt Institute and its member companies. Provides direction to laboratory technicians and interns in the execution of the above activities. Prepares research reports and presents findings at technical venues. Prepares technical papers for peer reviewed publications. Assists with on-site and off-site lab training and certification programs involving asphalt mixture testing. Provides technical support to members and other Asphalt Institute divisions as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Conducts the following activities under general administrative and technical direction from the VP of Research and Laboratory Services:

Assists the VP of Research and Laboratory Services in maintaining a viable asphalt mixtures research and testing program to advance the goals of the Asphalt Institute. Actively pursues and acquires relevant research opportunities, primarily in asphalt mixtures and performance testing, and works with other research entities and individuals to collaborate on the same research initiatives.

Develops and conducts research and testing projects. Oversees and conducts (as needed) laboratory testing with an emphasis on performance-related tests. Analyzes test results and writes laboratory testing reports and research reports. Adheres to, supports, and delivers project timelines and deadlines for all the above.

Manages laboratory specialists and interns in the Mixtures Performance Lab on testing and research projects, including coordination and delegation of tasks. Provides input on performance evaluations.

Composes research reports, presents and publishes research findings in technical journals, proceedings, and trade publications.

Participates and assumes leadership positions in professional industry organizations – such as Transportation Research Board (TRB) and Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists (AAPT) – including presenting research findings. Maintains an effective depth of knowledge related to the most current asphalt technology.

Assists the VP of Research and Laboratory Services in the performance of some administrative functions such as preparing budgets and reviewing laboratory financial statements to ensure compliance with objectives.

Collaborates with Asphalt Institute Regional Engineers and the VP of Engineering by providing technical support to members, user agencies, and other industry partners as required.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Minimum requirement of a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field of study. Higher level of education (Master’s degree or PhD) preferred. Professional Engineer (PE) license is required. Active membership in one or more related professional organizations is desirable. Knowledge of asphalt paving material composition, design and construction practices, pavement behavior and evaluation, laboratory testing procedures and equipment, and statistical analysis techniques – including statistical design of experiments – is required.

Must have demonstrated skills to successfully develop, initiate, and complete research projects and programs. Demonstrated project management skills required. Must be proficient in the use of standard information technology platforms. Excellent interpersonal, written, oral communication, and organizational skills required. Must obtain and maintain a valid U.S. driver's license.

EXPERIENCE

A minimum of eight (8) years of postgraduate experience in asphalt materials testing, characterization, and analyses is required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS

Position has no unusual physical demands; however, it may require commercial airline and automobile travel principally within the U.S. and Canada. Travel is expected to be 25% of the time or less. International travel outside of North America is not expected.

Consistent, timely attendance is a requirement to maintain compliance with Asphalt Institute policy. The position may involve exposure to potential hazards of laboratory chemicals and testing equipment.