Senior Research Scientist –Flammability and Fire Dynamics

International Association for Fire Safety Science; Norwood (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

The International Association for Fire Safety Science is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to advance scientific knowledge in material flammability and fire dynamics. You'll lead and manage research projects, collaborate with experts, and engage in both experimental and theoretical work.

Ideal candidates will have a PhD in a related field and strong skills in combustion, heat transfer, and analytical methods. A competitive benefits package is offered including salary commensurate to experience.

Qualifications

• Strong background in combustion, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and applied mathematics.
• Research experience in thermal fluids, material flammability, and combustion/fire.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to find solutions to technical challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects in flammability and fire dynamics.
• Conduct experimental and theoretical research on fire behavior.
• Collaborate with fire modeling scientists on sub-models.
• Analyze experimental data and prepare technical documentation.
• Communicate results to stakeholders and manage project aspects.

Skills

Combustion fundamentals

Fluid mechanics

Heat transfer

Applied mathematics

Experimental methods

Analytical methods

Technical documentation

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or Fire Protection Engineering

Job description

FM is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to develop new scientific knowledge, technologies, and engineering solutions to challenges in material flammability, fire dynamics, and fire protection, which can be used and applied by FM to help prevent or control property loss for insured clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead internally funded research projects in flammability, combustion, fire propagation, extinguishment, heat and smoke generation, heat transfer, and related areas.
• Conduct experimental and theoretical research to understand fire behavior over a range of scales.
• Closely collaborate with fire modeling scientists to develop and validate sub-models related to pyrolysis, heat transfer, and fire dynamics.
• 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.
• 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.
• Research experience in experimental and analytical methods in thermal fluids, material flammability, heat transfer, and combustion/fire, along with an understanding of associated numerical methods.
• 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.

A full benefits package is offered with this position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• 1 Technology Way, Norwood, MA 02062, USA