Postdoctoral Fellow; PREP

PREP Research Associate

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST facilitates collaboration between its research staff and academic institutions through PREP awards. Employees in this role will perform technical work that supports the scientific research of such collaborations.

Advanced Metrology for Novel Infrastructure Materials

The Infrastructure Materials Group (IMG) is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to be part of the Forward Looking Building Standards initiative. As the construction industry shifts toward low‑carbon binders—such as Type IL (Portland‑Limestone) and Calcium Sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements—traditional building codes are becoming obsolete. The candidate will develop measurement science to predict the long‑term durability of these novel materials, ensuring resilient infrastructure for decades.

• Advance measurement science by developing and validating novel test methods for characterizing alternative cementitious materials, linking micro‑structural development to macro‑scale transport properties.
• Lead the standardization of X‑ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques for elemental analysis of concrete pore solutions, establishing protocols for accuracy and repeatability.
• Apply thermodynamic modeling to predict phase changes (e.g., carbonation, chloride binding) in Type IL and CSA cements under varying climate scenarios.
• Use advanced statistical frameworks (Bayesian inference, Monte Carlo simulations) to analyze experimental data and quantify uncertainty in service‑life predictions for code development.
• Translate research findings into actionable proposals for ASTM and ACI committees, influencing the next generation of building codes.

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Materials Science with a focus on chemistry and material science of cementitious materials.
• Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative laboratory measurements on cementitious materials: X‑ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), isothermal calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Experience using computational tools such as COMSOL, Python, MATLAB, or R.
• Demonstrated ability to apply statistical methods to quantify uncertainty of experimental measurements beyond linear least‑squares regression.

• Peer‑reviewed publications utilizing quantitative phase analysis (QPA) with XRD, including the use of the internal standard method to quantify amorphous content in hydrated cementitious systems.
• Experience analyzing composition with X-ray fluorescence to quantify elemental composition of solutions.
• Understanding of the Nernst–Einstein relationship, electrical resistivity measurements, and determination of the formation factor in cementitious systems.
• Proficiency with geochemical modeling software (e.g., GEMS, PHREEQC, or Oli) to simulate cement hydration and phase stability in low‑carbon binders.
• Research experience with Calcium Sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements, Type IL cements, or alkali‑activated materials.

The Johns Hopkins University is an equal‑opportunity employer. Applications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected status.