Research Scientist

Job Title

Research Scientist

Worcester, MA

Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute invites applications for a Research Scientist position in the area of low‑carbon cement concrete materials, durability, and infrastructure applications.

• Work on a MassDOT‑funded research project evaluating emerging binders, alternative supplementary cementitious materials, and advanced chemical admixtures for use in durable, low‑carbon concrete for highway infrastructure.
• Investigate materials such as limestone‑calcined clay cement / Type IC cement, low‑heat performance cement, alkali‑activated cementitious materials, natural volcanic ash, colloidal silica admixtures, and permeability‑reducing admixtures.
• Support laboratory testing, field‑relevant mock‑ups, data analysis, reporting, and technology transfer.
• Collaborate with faculty investigators, graduate students, MassDOT Research and Materials Laboratory staff, concrete producers, and industry partners.
• Coordinate effectively with agency partners and industry collaborators while working independently.

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in cementitious materials, concrete technology, construction materials, or infrastructure materials.
• Hands‑on experience with laboratory testing of cement paste, mortar, or concrete.
• Familiarity with ASTM, AASHTO, or similar testing standards for cement and concrete materials.
• Strong data analysis, technical writing, and communication skills.

• Experience in low‑carbon cement, blended cement, LC³, calcined clay, natural pozzolans, or alternative SCMs.
• Experience with alkali‑activated cementitious materials or geopolymer systems.
• Experience in concrete durability testing, including ASR, chloride transport, electrical resistivity, formation factor, freeze–thaw, scaling, or permeability‑related testing.
• Experience with cement hydration and microstructural characterization using calorimetry, XRD, TGA, FTIR, SEM‑EDS, MIP, or related methods.
• Thermodynamic or geochemical modeling of cementitious systems.
• Experience with concrete rheology, workability, finishability, or field placement evaluation.
• Experience working with DOTs, transportation agencies, concrete producers, or industry partners.
• Preparation of agency reports, technical specifications, peer‑reviewed publications, and implementation guidance.

Submit a cover letter and CV for consideration.

Salary: $67,000. WPI’s benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance, and more.

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. WPI maintains a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.