Senior Research Scientist; PREP

PREP Research Associate

Salary: $80,000-$110,000 a year

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program offers researchers the opportunity to collaborate on projects of scientific research. This position focuses on evaluating low-damage rocking structural systems for seismic performance.

Low-Damage Rocking Structures

A structural engineering researcher will investigate the seismic performance of low-damage rocking structural systems, assessing their benefits relative to conventional systems, and will develop guidelines and models to support their wider use.

• Conduct parametric studies of rocking and conventional buildings to understand the most influential ground motion characteristics on engineering demand parameters.
• Develop nonlinear structural models and evaluate conventional and low-damage systems.
• Develop design guidelines for low-damage structural systems.
• Research and test new low-damage technologies focusing on implementation.
• Create a database of structural components using past experimental testing and programming expertise.
• Evaluate the cost‑benefits of rocking systems across seismic hazards and building types.

• U.S. citizenship preferred.
• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering, with a focus on Earthquake Engineering.
• Extensive experience in nonlinear modeling using Open Sees.
• Proficiency in programming with Python, MATLAB, and Tcl.
• Familiarity with performance‑based seismic design.
• Expertise in rocking structural systems and low‑damage structures, with past publications demonstrating modeling ability.
• Experience in large‑scale structural testing, component testing, and shake‑table testing.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply; the employer does not discriminate based on 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. Employment decisions will be based on merit and not on personal factors irrelevant to the position.