Senior Research Scientist –Flammability and Fire Dynamics

FM; Norwood (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous health and well-being programs

401(k) and pension plan

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible work options

Job summary

FM is looking for a Senior Research Scientist in Norwood, Massachusetts to develop technologies in material flammability and fire protection. You will lead research projects aimed at understanding fire dynamics and work closely with fire modeling experts.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in relevant fields and possesses a solid background in combustion and heat transfer. FM offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health programs and a pension plan.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, Fire Protection or a related field.
• Research experience in thermal fluids and material flammability.
• Excellent communication skills and teamwork capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects in flammability and combustion.
• Conduct research to understand fire behavior and dynamics.
• Collaborate with scientists to validate fire modeling techniques.
• Prepare technical documentation and communicate results.
• Manage project proposals, planning, and execution.

Skills

Combustion

Fluid Mechanics

Heat Transfer

Applied Mathematics

Interpersonal Skills

Education

PhD in Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or Fire Protection Engineering

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 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.

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.
• 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.

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.