Senior Research Scientist

FM; Norwood (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

FM is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to advance scientific understanding, develop new technologies, and create engineering solutions in the field of battery safety. The role focuses on thermal and fire hazards associated with batteries, supporting property risk management for policyholder-owners.

Lead testing, modeling, and data interpretation while collaborating with internal and external partners. The position offers comprehensive rewards and opportunities for career development within

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in combustion, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and applied mathematics.
• Experience with experimental heat transfer measurement and battery testing is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Lead internally funded research projects involving advanced testing of batteries at multiple scales.
• Design experiments to support calibration and validation of physics-based or empirical models.
• Develop and apply modeling tools for hazard evaluation of battery systems.
• Interpret and analyze experimental data and prepare high-quality technical documentation.
• Communicate test methods, results, and engineering recommendations to stakeholders.
• Manage all aspects of project management, including proposals, planning, execution, reporting.

Skills

Combustion

Fluid mechanics

Heat transfer

Applied mathematics

Teamwork

Communication

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Description

Established nearly two centuries ago, FM is a leading mutual insurance company whose capital, scientific research capability and engineering expertise are solely dedicated to property risk management and the resilience of its policyholder-owners. These owners, who share the belief that the majority of property loss is preventable, represent many of the world’s largest organizations, including one of every four Fortune 500 companies. They work with FM to better understand the hazards that can impact their business continuity to make cost-effective risk management decisions, combining property loss prevention with insurance protection.

FM is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to advance scientific understanding, develop new technologies, and create engineering solutions in the field of battery safety. The ultimate goal is to support industrial property loss prevention by conducting high‑quality research focused on thermal and fire hazards associated with batteries.

Responsibilities

• Lead internally funded research projects involving advanced testing of batteries at multiple scales.
• Design experiments to support the development, calibration, and validation of physics‑based or empirical models.
• Develop and apply modeling tools for hazard evaluation of battery systems.
• Interpret and analyze experimental data and prepare high‑quality technical documentation.
• Communicate test methods, results, and engineering recommendations to internal and external stakeholders, including collaborators, clients, and industry partners.
• Manage all aspects of project management, including proposals, planning, execution, reporting, and engineering application.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, or a closely related field.

• Strong fundamental background in combustion, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and applied mathematics.
• Extensive experience with experimental and modeling methods in thermal fluids, heat transfer, and combustion/fire science, as well as a general understanding of battery electrochemistry and performance characteristics.
• Research experience involving experimental heat transfer measurement, battery failure analysis, high‑voltage battery system testing, such as BESS or UPS battery systems, is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to develop effective solutions to complex technical challenges.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to productively collaborate in an interdisciplinary research environment.

The final salary offer will vary based on geographic location, individual education, skills, and experience. The position is eligible to participate in FM's comprehensive Total Rewards program that includes an incentive plan, generous health and well-being programs, a 401(k) and pension plan, career development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, flexible work, time off allowances and much more.

FM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce.