Senior Research Scientist (PREP0004534)

Johns Hopkins University; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University is hiring a PREP Research Associate in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This role involves investigating the seismic performance of low-damage rocking structural systems and developing guidelines for their use. The candidate should hold a Ph.D. in Civil or Structural Engineering with experience in nonlinear modeling and programming. The salary ranges from $80,000 to $110,000 per year, and U.S. citizenship is preferred. This position is an opportunity to collaborate on cutting-edge research projects in seismic engineering.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship preferred.
• Extensive experience in nonlinear modeling using OpenSees.
• Familiarity with performance-based seismic design.
• Expertise in rocking structural systems and low-damage structures.

Responsibilities

• Conduct parametric studies of rocking and conventional buildings.
• Develop nonlinear structural models and evaluate systems.
• Research and test new low-damage technologies.
• Create a database of structural components.

Skills

Nonlinear modeling using OpenSees

Programming with Python

Programming with MATLAB

Programming with Tcl

Performance-based seismic design

Rocking structural systems expertise

Large-scale structural testing

Strong oral and written communication

Education

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering

Job description

PREP Research Associate

Salary: $80,000-$110,000 a year

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program offers researchers the opportunity to collaborate on projects of scientific research. This position focuses on evaluating low-damage rocking structural systems for seismic performance.

Project Title

Low-Damage Rocking Structures

Project Description

A structural engineering researcher will investigate the seismic performance of low-damage rocking structural systems, assessing their benefits relative to conventional systems, and will develop guidelines and models to support their wider use.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct parametric studies of rocking and conventional buildings to understand the most influential ground motion characteristics on engineering demand parameters.
• Develop nonlinear structural models and evaluate conventional and low-damage systems.
• Develop design guidelines for low-damage structural systems.
• Research and test new low-damage technologies focusing on implementation.
• Create a database of structural components using past experimental testing and programming expertise.
• Evaluate the cost‑benefits of rocking systems across seismic hazards and building types.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship preferred.
• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering, with a focus on Earthquake Engineering.
• Extensive experience in nonlinear modeling using OpenSees.
• Proficiency in programming with Python, MATLAB, and Tcl.
• Familiarity with performance‑based seismic design.
• Expertise in rocking structural systems and low‑damage structures, with past publications demonstrating modeling ability.
• Experience in large‑scale structural testing, component testing, and shake‑table testing.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply; the employer does not discriminate based on sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Employment decisions will be based on merit and not on personal factors irrelevant to the position.