Research Scientist

Glacier Federal, LLC is a government consulting and contracting firm supporting missions throughout the world. Glacier Federal is seeking a Research Scientist to provide onsite research support to our customer Natick, Massachusetts. This position evaluates the thermal performance of Arctic and cold‑weather personal protective equipment, with an emphasis on military boots, socks, footwear liners, and related materials, to improve protection against frostbite and other cold injuries.

• Develop and execute research plans evaluating cold‑weather PPE and footwear using whole‑body and sectional heated thermal manikins.
• Independently operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain thermal manikins, including systems comparable to Thermetrics ANDI and sectional hand or foot manikins.
• Analyze thermal‑performance data and develop algorithms that predict footwear insulation using manikin results and material properties.
• Conduct scientific literature reviews related to footwear, cold‑weather protection, frostbite, heat transfer, and textile performance.
• Evaluate how socks, liners, and other materials affect footwear performance and support the selection and procurement of military and commercial Arctic PPE research references.
• Support human‑subject research examining physiological responses to boot and sock systems in Arctic or simulated‑Arctic environments.
• Document research methods, activities, results, and progress in accordance with USARIEM procedures and contract requirements.
• Collaborate with Government scientists, engineers, research personnel, and multidisciplinary laboratory teams; occasional authorized CONUS travel may be required.

• Master’s degree in textile science or textile engineering.
• Extensive hands‑on experience independently operating whole‑body and sectional thermal manikins with minimal technical guidance.
• Knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and the thermal performance of textiles and clothing.
• Strong scientific documentation, data‑analysis, research‑planning, organizational, and communication skills.
• Interest or experience in physiology, human science, biomedical engineering, or human–clothing interactions.
• Experience with manikin calibration and maintenance; mathematical or thermal modeling; human‑subject research; cold‑weather PPE or footwear testing; environmental physiology; or military research laboratories is preferred.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a favorably adjudicated Tier 1 background investigation, installation access, and a Common Access Card if required.
• Ability to work onsite Monday through Friday, including core hours of 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., and complete required Government safety, security, privacy, and laboratory training.

Glacier Federal, LLC offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid holidays; paid time off, including sick and vacation leave; medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; short‑ and long‑term disability coverage; company‑paid life insurance; a 401(k) plan with company match and discretionary profit sharing; and tuition reimbursement.