Research Associate, Research Scientist

Description

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) College of Engineering Technology (CET), Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Management, and Safety (CETEMS) is inviting applications for a Research Associate position. The start date of these positions is negotiable and can be as early as May 2026, but no later than October 2026.

• Performing and conducting scientific/engineering tests, experiments, surveys, and/or programming.
• Data entry, observation, collection, and/or organization.
• Prescribed analysis and interpretation of collected data, and producing reports supporting analysis.
• Maintaining and operating lab equipment and space in support of research/engineering projects.
• Assisting researchers/engineers with routine and repetitive tests, experiments, measurements, surveys, and/or programming under close technical supervision.
• Supporting research/engineering functions by performing basic tasks in the operation and maintenance of research/engineering instrumentation and equipment.
• Cleansing research/engineering equipment and instruments, maintaining logs, records, and databases, and validating data.
• Observing conditions, identifying and reporting concerns or changes, maintaining inventories, requisitioning supplies, and assisting in laboratory and field testing.
• Training students on proper use of equipment and basic procedures, presenting written reports, producing charts and graphs, and performing routine library work.
• Providing administrative support for research/engineering activities such as ordering supplies, tracking repairs, and ensuring proper removal of hazardous waste.
• Participating in research team meetings to discuss project progress and findings.
• Preparing research proposals, conducting research and publishing, assisting in laboratory and field testing, mentoring students, and contributing to outreach and data collection activities.

• Associate's degree in a related field and one year of related experience, or a combination of related experience and education.
• Experience or degree in one of the following areas:
  • Advanced driver‑assist systems (ADAS)
  • Gas and air emission monitoring
  • Information technology and database development
  • Web programming and mobile app development
  • Artificial Intelligence, natural language processing (NLP), and machine learning
  • Connected and autonomous vehicles
  • Disaster and natural hazard assessment and management
  • Discrete element method (DEM) and finite element methods (FEM)
  • Geographical information system (GIS)
  • Geogame and digital twin with Unity or Omniverse
  • Global positioning system (GPS), GNSS and IMU
  • Image processing and computer vision
  • Asphalt binder modification, asphalt mixture design, and pavement performance
  • Asphalt pavement constitutive model and multi‑physics simulation
  • Geopolymer and novel construction materials
  • High‑speed train dynamics and simulation
  • Operations research, optimization, network programming and routing
  • Optical metrology for surface texturing and imaging
  • Remote sensing and photogrammetry
  • Drone mapping
  • Surveying with total station
  • LiDAR and optical mapping
  • Digital image correlation (DIC)
  • Structural health monitoring (SHM)
  • Non‑destructive testing and evaluation (NDE)
  • Transportation safety
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

• Master's or PhD degree.
• Effective writing and communication skills.
• Strong publication record.
• Ability to work independently and with undergraduate and graduate research students.
• Strong background in laboratory experiment or numerical computation.
• Familiarity with Matlab, C++, Python, Java, or other programming languages.
• Proficiency in one of the software packages: PFC, VISSIM, ABQUS, COMSOL, MOOSE, LS‑DYNA, optimization, Tensor Flow, SAS, R, or optical modeling.

Rochester Institute of Technology provides equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, or disability. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.

Contact Human Resources for assistance with accommodations.