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 recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas.

Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

Advanced Metrology for Novel Infrastructure Materials

The Infrastructure Materials Group is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to be a part of the Forward Looking Building Standards initiative within NIST. As the construction industry pivots toward low‑carbon binders such as Type IL (Portland‑Limestone) and Calcium Sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements, traditional prescriptive building codes are becoming obsolete. We are looking for a researcher who can bridge the gap between fundamental geochemistry and applied standardization.

You will develop the measurement science required to predict the long‑term durability of these novel materials, ensuring the nation’s infrastructure remains resilient for decades to come.

• Advance Measurement Science:
  Develop and validate novel test methods for characterizing alternative cementitious materials, with a specific focus on linking microstructural development to macro‑scale transport properties.
• Pore Solution Characterization:
  Lead efforts to standardize X‑ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques for the elemental analysis of concrete pore solutions, establishing protocols for characterizing accuracy and repeatability.
• Durability Modeling:
  Apply thermodynamic modeling to predict phase changes (e.g., carbonation, chloride binding) in Type IL and CSA cements under varying climate scenarios.
• Uncertainty Quantification:
  Use advanced statistical frameworks (Bayesian inference, Monte Carlo simulations) to analyze experimental data and to quantify the uncertainty in service‑life predictions for code development.
• Code & Standard Development:
  Translate research findings into actionable proposals for ASTM and ACI committees, directly influencing the next generation of building codes.

• Education:
  
  Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Materials Science with a focus on cementitious materials at the time of the position start date.
• Cementitious Materials Science Background:
  Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative laboratory measurements on cementitious materials, including XRD, TGA, isothermal calorimetry, and SEM.
• Modeling and Computational:
  Demonstrated experience using computation tools such as COMSOL, Python, Matlab, or R.
• Uncertainty Quantification:
  Demonstrated ability to apply statistical methods beyond linear least‑squares regression to quantify the uncertainty of experimental measurements.

• Specialized Metrology:
  Peer‑reviewed publications using quantitative phase analysis (QPA) with X‑ray diffraction and/or composition analysis using X‑ray fluorescence.
• Transport & Durability:
  Demonstrated understanding of the Nernst‑Einstein relationship, electrical resistivity measurements, and the determination of the Formation Factor in cementitious systems.
• Thermodynamic Modeling:
  Proficiency with geochemical modeling software such as GEMS, PHREEQC, or Oli.
• Alternative Binder Expertise:
  Demonstrated research experience with Calcium Sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements, Type IL cements, or alkali‑activated materials.

The referenced salary 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 factors such as location, skills, work experience, and market conditions.

Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports employees’ health, life, career, and retirement. More information can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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