Building Materials Research Director
About The Position
Join IBHS as a Building Materials Research Director and lead the strategic direction of our laboratory operations while advancing applied research on severe convective storms. This is a unique dual-focus role that combines hands-on laboratory leadership (70%) with active scientific research and innovation (30%). You'll manage complex operations that balance competing demands—staff capacity, equipment availability, research priorities, and compliance requirements—while driving breakthroughs in how buildings withstand hail, straight-line wind, and tornado hazards. This role is ideal for a scientist-leader who thrives at the intersection of operational excellence and scientific discovery, and who can translate atmospheric hazards into defensible building performance standards.
Requirements
- Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in engineering, materials science, atmospheric science, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in applied research, laboratory management, or building science
- Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and quality assurance protocols
- Proven ability to lead technical teams and mentor junior scientists or engineers
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present to diverse audiences
- Experience managing laboratory equipment, maintenance schedules, and capital planning
- Knowledge of building codes, standards development, or compliance testing (a significant plus)
Nice To Haves
- Background in severe weather hazards, wind engineering, or structural dynamics
- Experience with statistical methods, uncertainty quantification, or data science
- Published peer-reviewed research or technical reports
- Familiarity with insurance industry, risk assessment, or loss prevention
- Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or data management platforms
- Project management or operational leadership experience in research environments
Responsibilities
- Lab Throughput & Capacity Management
- Quality Systems & Repeatability
- Equipment & Infrastructure Stewardship
- Staff Development & Talent Architecture
- Lead components of experimental and analytics-based research programs advancing applied science on severe convective storms—including hail, straight-line wind, and tornado-related hazards—and their interaction with residential and commercial construction systems.
- Scientific & Technical Expectations
- Scientific Ownership
- Innovation & Systems Thinking
- Science Communication
Benefits
- Make a tangible impact: Your research directly influences building standards and saves lives and property
- Lead at the intersection of science and operations: Rare opportunity to combine research leadership with hands-on laboratory management
- Work with cutting-edge facilities: Access to world-class testing equipment and collaborative research environment
- Collaborate across disciplines: Partner with engineers, meteorologists, data scientists, and policy experts
- Grow your career: Mentorship, professional development, and opportunities to publish and present at conferences
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
