Assistant Research Scientist (PREP0004003) Full-time

Assistant Research Scientist

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

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

The work will entail:

Provides essential technical support to various research projects conducted within the Division's laboratories by utilizing advanced precision research apparatuses and sophisticated measurement devices, in close collaboration with scientists and engineers. Contributes technical expertise to the development, evaluation, and refinement of research plans and experimental testing procedures, focused on advancing the understanding and measurement of material properties and material degradation mechanisms over time when exposed to environmental stressors including UV, temperature and RH.

Oversees the coordination of technical teams by organizing and delegating complex experimental tasks, providing guidance to technicians, and ensuring the successful execution of research projects with a focus on material properties and degradation. Work impacts the reliability and accuracy of experimental data, providing critical support to scientific and engineering studies, contributing to advancements in materials degradation, informing decision-making, research publications, and the development of innovative measurement techniques and systems for service life prediction of materials.

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Ensuring that analytical lab equipment is operating optimally, and performing troubleshooting as needed. Performing regular, extensive Preventive Maintenance on LECO Carbon-Sulfur Analyzer (Model CS744) to ensure availability, accuracy, and precision per manufacturer specifications. Performing regular configuration changes, alignment, calibration, and performance checks for Cary 5000 UV/Vis spectrophotometer.
• Planning and conducting inspections, including calibrations, of existing and new equipment to ensure operability during testing phase.
• Collaborating with researchers to develop effective schedules and plans so that measurements/fabrications are conceived and conducted effectively. This includes in person meetings, detailed email communications, preparation of power point presentations tailored to be delivered to other groups within the Division and external stakeholders.
• Oversees the coordination of technical teams by organizing and delegating complex experimental tasks, providing guidance to other technicians, and ensuring the successful execution of experimental research projects related to pyrrhotite quantification in concrete aggregates, long-term performance of polymeric components of photovoltaic systems, and innovations in accelerated UV aging using Simulated Photodegradation via High-Energy Radiant Exposure.
• Collecting data and refining specific project designs in a manner consistent with the project's needs and performing data analysis on collected data to ensure adherence to existing standards or for the development of new standards on materials and structural performance.
• Conducting administrative tasks (such as procurements, service agreements, repairs) to effectively maintain laboratory operations. This includes in depth market research to acquire new laboratory equipment, establishing the technical specifications a product must meet to accurately define and identify it.
• Communicate research results to industry, including authoring or co-authoring technical papers and preparation and presentation of research posters at academic conferences and industry workshops.
• Identifying and pursuing training opportunities to enhance proficiency in supporting the technical work associated with the Division's projects. This includes actively seeking out professional development programs, certifications, workshops, and hands-on training sessions that align with the division's technical objectives.
• Systematically identifying risks, hazards and/or unsafe situations or practices and contribute to hazard identification and risk assessment system responsibilities relevant to the job. Develop comprehensive hazard reviews (HR) and job hazard analysis (JHA) documents to proactively identify, evaluate, and address potential safety risks associated with laboratory activities. This process includes assessing tasks, equipment, and procedures to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations, while implementing effective controls to mitigate risks.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Advanced knowledge of degradation mechanisms of polymeric photovoltaic backsheet utilizing non-destructive chemical, optical, and microscopic techniques, including: attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, micro-ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, and color and gloss measurement.
• Experienced in using software like Python, LabTalk and Origin for experimental automation and FTIR data analysis, including spectral deconvolution.
• Experienced in test equipment design, troubleshooting and repair of laboratory equipment, and computer automation of experiments
• Ability to safely operate power tools, forklifts, and overhead cranes, as well as maintenance of analytical instruments and systems to support laboratory operations.
• Additional skills in Microsoft Office applications, such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, for data analysis and reporting.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.