Senior Research Scientist (PREP0004533)

Johns Hopkins University; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 181,843 - 258,988; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University is seeking a PREP Research Associate to engage in vital research on tornado loads and their effects on structures. The role entails analyzing wind tunnel testing data, developing tornado load design provisions, and conducting detailed related analyses. Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D. in a relevant field and extensive research experience, including a strong publication record in tornado-related studies. This position is critical for advancing safety standards in structural design related to tornado impacts.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience with ASCE7 Wind Load Subcommittee.
• 5+ peer-reviewed journal papers on tornado loads and damage patterns.

Responsibilities

• Develop procedures for estimating tornado loads from experimental datasets.
• Conduct tree-fall analysis to estimate tornado wind speeds.
• Analyze tornado simulation data against boundary-layer wind data.

Skills

Estimating tornado loads

Wind engineering

Scientific computing

Field studies

Failure investigations

Education

Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field

Job description

General Description

Salary: $160-$160 an hour

PREP Research Associate

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.

Research Title

Characterization of Tornado Loads and Their Effects on Structures

Project Overview

The project will focus on the characterization of tornadoes and their effects on structures, including analyzing wind tunnel testing data from tornado simulators, and developing performance-based design standard provisions on tornado loads for structural design. The research work will include developing improved calculation methods and standard provisions for tornado loads, formulation of improved tornado uplift pressure coefficients based on analysis of data from tornado simulators and wind tunnels, comparison of tornado pressure coefficients obtained from tornado simulators with those from Boundary Layer Wind Tunnels and existing ASCE7-22 provisions, and development of a national database and map with a user-friendly web interface of tornado strikes on critical facilities.

U.S. Citizen Preferred

U.S. Citizen Preferred

Key Responsibilities

• Developing procedures for estimating tornado loads based on experimental datasets from tornado simulators.
• Developing performance-based design standard provisions on tornado loads.
• Conducting tree-fall analysis to estimate tornado wind speeds and damage patterns.
• Improving the ASCE 7-22 tornado load provisions using field measurements and wind tunnel testing data.
• Analyzing tornado simulation data and comparing them with boundary-layer wind data measured from wind tunnel tests.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Prior research experience and contributions in structural engineering, wind engineering, and scientific computing, including at least five peer-reviewed journal papers on the estimation of tornado loads and damage patterns in structural wind engineering.
• At least three years of experience with the ASCE7 Wind Load Subcommittee for the development of the tornado load provisions in the ASCE7 Standard.
• Prior experience in field studies or failure investigations.

EEO is the Law

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf