Research Associate

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Associate conducts research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior project staff, applying both standard and non-standard methods appropriate to construction engineering, materials, and building science. The incumbent recognizes problems and inconsistencies in data, proposes solutions and interpretations, and prepares clear technical reports. The Research Associate may provide input into project development, budgeting, and scheduling, and may coordinate the work of students and support personnel, but has limited independent authority for research conceptualization or resource acquisition. This position is not eligible to serve as Principal Investigator. The role blends laboratory research, field and warehouse production support, digital documentation, and partner coordination. The successful candidate is a hands-on, organized, and adaptable professional who is comfortable moving between a materials laboratory, an active printing and construction environment, academics, and a data and reporting workspace. The successful candidate should be familiar with construction field operations, site logistics, scheduling, and quality control, and be able to work in a laboratory, warehouse, and active construction environments. They must also have the willingness and ability to work on-site in Blacksburg, Virginia, with periodic travel to project field sites within the Commonwealth (including Richmond-area deployment sites).

Requirements

Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Environmental Design and Planning, Architecture, Materials or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field. (An exception may be considered for candidates holding a bachelor’s degree with significant relevant experience, consistent with Virginia Tech research faculty rank criteria.)
Demonstrated research or applied experience with one or more of the following: construction-scale additive manufacturing (3D concrete printing), industrialized or prefabricated construction, and advanced construction materials evaluation.
Experience working with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for 3DCP operations.
Working knowledge of digital design and construction tools, such as building information modeling (e.g., Revit, Navisworks, or equivalent), computational design, reality capture, or robotic/automation workflows.
Experience collecting, analyzing, and documenting technical data, and preparing reports, presentations, or publications communicating results to technical and non-technical audiences.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience operating or supporting 3D concrete printing systems, including print file preparation, printing layout and scheduling, mix design, and on-site or warehouse robotic operation.
Experience with materials testing and durability characterization (e.g., strength, freeze-thaw, or non-destructive evaluation) and with quality assurance/quality control documentation.
Familiarity with performance verification and code-acceptance pathways for innovative construction methods, including UL 3401 information requirements or analogous alternative-materials approval processes.
Experience with digital twins, LiDAR or 3D scanning, progress monitoring, or data visualization and dashboarding (e.g., Power BI or equivalent).
Experience collaborating with nonprofit housing providers, builders, or public agencies.

Responsibilities

Conducts research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior project staff.
Applies standard and non-standard methods appropriate to construction engineering, materials, and building science.
Recognizes problems and inconsistencies in data, proposes solutions and interpretations.
Prepares clear technical reports.
May provide input into project development, budgeting, and scheduling.
May coordinate the work of students and support personnel.
Blends laboratory research, field and warehouse production support, digital documentation, and partner coordination.
Works in a materials laboratory, an active printing and construction environment, academics, and a data and reporting workspace.
Familiarity with construction field operations, site logistics, scheduling, and quality control.
Works in a laboratory, warehouse, and active construction environments.
Willingness and ability to work on-site in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Periodic travel to project field sites within the Commonwealth (including Richmond-area deployment sites).