Postdoctoral Fellow; PREP

Position Title

PREP Research Associate

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. Employees in this role will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration within the Infrastructure Materials Group (IMG), focusing on low‑carbon binders such as Type IL and Calcium Sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements.

Advanced Metrology for Novel Infrastructure Materials

• Advance Measurement Science: Develop and validate novel test methods for characterizing alternative cementitious materials, linking microstructural development to macro‑scale transport properties.
• Pore Solution Characterization: Lead efforts to standardize X‑ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques for elemental analysis of concrete pore solutions, establishing protocols for 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 quantify 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.
• Cementitious Materials Science Background: Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative laboratory measurements on cementitious materials, including X‑ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), isothermal calorimetry, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
• Modeling and Computational: Demonstrated experience using computational tools such as COMSOL, Python, MATLAB, or R.
• Uncertainty Quantification: Demonstrated ability to apply statistical methods beyond linear least‑squares regression to quantify uncertainty in experimental measurements.

• Specialized Metrology: Peer‑reviewed publication utilizing quantitative phase analysis (QPA) with XRD or composition analysis using XRF.
• Transport & Durability: Understanding of the Nernst‑Einstein relationship, electrical resistivity measurements, and determination of the Formation Factor in cementitious systems.
• Thermodynamic Modeling: Proficiency with geochemical modeling software (e.g., GEMS, PHREEQC, or Oli) to simulate cement hydration and phase stability in low‑carbon binders.
• Alternative Binder Expertise: Research experience with Calcium Sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements, Type IL cements, or alkali‑activated materials.

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