Senior Structural Research Scientist (Bridge & Materials)

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers seeks a senior research engineer to oversee diverse studies in transportation engineering, focusing on structural design, materials, and safety. You will guide complex projects from conception to implementation, collaborating with state and federal partners to advance technology and standards.

The role emphasizes publishing results, presenting findings to a broad audience, and leading professional development within the team.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences at the local, state, and national levels, including preparation of publishable articles for professional journals.
• Ability to conceptualize, develop, and manage multiple complex and diverse research projects.
• Ability to independently generate research ideas and assess VDOT's research needs.
• Ability to manage research projects, analyze data, make recommendations and help implement results.
• Knowledge of advanced research design, qualitative, quantitative research methods, engineering mathematics, and statistical analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices related to structural engineering to include statics, structural analysis, and strength of materials.
• Knowledge of reinforced and prestressed concrete, structural steel, alternative material design, or soil mechanics.
• Master's Degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering or related field.
• Skill in the use of computers, computer systems software applications used in transportation planning and transportation engineering.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to VDOT by conducting and overseeing research and implementation projects that require proficiency in structural design and materials.
• Conceive, plan, direct, and conduct highly complex research projects in a specialty area that provide a solution to problems or an improvement to technology, procedures, practices, processes or specifications in the area of transportation engineering and road safety.
• Disseminate research findings through written reports; published papers; and presentations to national, state, and VDOT audiences. Provide scientific peer reviews of colleagues final research reports.
• Provide technical assistance, consultative advice, and technology transfer to a broad spectrum of VDOT personnel, FHWA, and other state and local government officials, and external customers.
• Attend specialty conferences and short courses to enhance knowledge and skills.

Job description

Commonwealth of VA Careers seeks a senior research engineer to oversee diverse studies in transportation engineering, focusing on structural design, materials, and safety. You will guide complex projects from conception to implementation, collaborating with state and federal partners to advance technology and standards.

The role emphasizes publishing results, presenting findings to a broad audience, and leading professional development within the team.