Assistant Research Scientist; PREP

PREP Research Associate

The National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with academic institutions on scientific research. As a Research Associate, you will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration, focusing on experimental flow measurement systems.

Research Scientist - Experimental Flow Measurement and Instrumentation with Automated Data Acquisition

• Design and build experimental flow systems: collaborate with scientists and engineers to create, upgrade, and automate flow measurement setups.
• Calibrate flow instruments using national standards to ensure high precision and traceability.
• Develop and execute protocols: plan and implement experiments, data acquisition, analysis, and uncertainty evaluation.
• Integrate instrumentation: configure, calibrate, and troubleshoot sensors and flow devices (pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, humidity sensors, anemometers, flow meters).
• Automate data acquisition: maintain existing LabVIEW software and develop new Python programs for automation and data analysis.
• Fabricate experimental components: design and produce custom parts in CAD for machining, 3D printing, or other fabrication methods.
• Run computational simulations: use CFD or other computational tools to support experimental design and optimize flow systems.
• Apply fluid mechanics principles: support experimental design, planning, and troubleshooting of flow measurement systems; analyze experimental data and assist in optimizing system performance.
• Present and communicate results: prepare reports, papers, and presentations to share findings.

• Bachelor’s degree required in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience or coursework in experimental fluid mechanics, flow measurement, or sensor instrumentation.
• Proficiency with data acquisition and experimental software (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB).
• Familiarity with CAD software and basic fabrication for experimental setups.
• Knowledge of CFD simulations is a plus.
• Understanding of measurement uncertainty, calibration, and traceability to standards is a plus.
• Strong problem‑solving, teamwork, and communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship is preferred for this position.

Salary Range:
The referenced range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors.

Total Rewards:
Johns Hopkins offers a total reward package that supports our employees’ health, life, career and retirement.

Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. The university does not discriminate on the basis of 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.