Assistant Research Scientist; PREP

Research Engineering Technician – Materials and Structural Systems Division, Engineering Laboratory, NIST

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. Employees in this role provide technical support to research projects within the Division’s laboratories, contributing to the development, evaluation, and refinement of experimental plans and testing procedures focused on material properties and degradation mechanisms.

• Ensure laboratory equipment operates optimally, including performing troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, configuration changes, alignment, calibration, and performance checks on instruments such as the LECO Carbon‑Sulfur Analyzer and Cary 5000 UV/Vis spectrophotometer.
• Plan and conduct inspections and calibrations of existing and new equipment to ensure operability during testing.
• Collaborate with researchers to develop schedules and plans, facilitate in‑person meetings and communications, and prepare presentations for Division groups and external stakeholders.
• Oversee coordination of technical teams, delegating experimental tasks, providing guidance to technicians, and ensuring successful execution of projects related to material degradation and accelerated UV aging.
• Collect and analyze data, ensuring adherence to existing standards or contributing to the development of new standards for materials and structural performance.
• Manage administrative tasks such as procurements, service agreements, and repairs to maintain laboratory operations, including market research to acquire new equipment and establishing technical specifications.
• Communicate research results through technical papers, posters, and presentations at academic conferences and industry workshops.
• Pursue training opportunities to enhance proficiency in supporting technical work, including professional development programs, certifications, workshops, and hands‑on training.
• Identify and manage risks, hazards, and unsafe practices, contributing to hazard identification and risk assessment activities and developing hazard reviews and job hazard analysis documents.

• A Master’s degree in Chemistry or a related Engineering field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Advanced knowledge of conducting quantitative laboratory weathering experiments using simulated photodegradation via high‑energy radiant exposure.
• Expertise in degradation mechanisms of polymeric photovoltaic backsheet using techniques such as ATR‑FTIR, micro‑ATR‑FTIR, UV/Vis spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, and color and gloss measurement.
• Proficiency in software like Python, Lab Talk, and Origin for experimental automation and data analysis, including spectral deconvolution.
• Experience in test equipment design, troubleshooting, repair, and computer automation of experiments.
• Ability to safely operate power tools, forklifts, and overhead cranes, as well as maintain analytical instruments and support laboratory operations.
• Additional skills in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) for data analysis and reporting.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.