12747 - Research Scientist Structural

Virginia Department of Transportation•Charlottesville, VA

About The Position

Provide support to VDOT by conducting and overseeing research and implementation projects that require proficiency in structural design and materials. These projects will advance VDOT’s knowledge of structural, hydraulic or geotechnical engineering, bridge and tunnel safety inspection and repair, structural health monitoring, and/or finite element analysis, and provide the guidance needed to implement them. To conceive, plan, direct, and conduct highly complex research projects in a specialty area that provide a solution to problems or an improvement to technology, procedures, practices, processes or specifications in the area of transportation engineering and road safety.

Requirements

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences at the local, state, and national levels, including preparation of publishable articles for professional journals.
Ability to conceptualize, develop, manage multiple complex and diverse research projects.
Ability to independently generate research ideas and assess VDOT's research needs.
Ability to manage research projects, analyze data, make recommendations and help implement results.
Knowledge of advanced research design, qualitative, quantitative research method, engineering mathematics, and statistical analysis techniques.
Knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices related to structural engineering to include statics, structural analysis, and strength of materials.
Knowledge of reinforced and prestressed concrete, structural steel, alternative material design, or soil mechanics.
Master's Degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering or related field.
Skill in the use of computers, computer systems software applications used in transportation planning and transportation engineering.

Nice To Haves

Certification through a technical society such as ACI, ASNT, AWS, or government agency such as FHWA or NHI.
Engineer-in-Training (EIT), Professional Engineer's (PE), or Structural Engineer (SE) license.
Experience as a member of a research team.
Experience as a principal investigator.
Experience in developing and directing all phases of research including the publication and implementation of results.
Experience in developing research including the publication and implementation of results
Experience with conducting research both in a laboratory setting and in the field at a bridge site.
Experience with finite element analysis software.
Experience with hydraulic structures and Hydraulic Engineering Circulars (HEC), and Hydraulic Design Series (HDS), as published by FHWA.
Field experience with bridge inspection, testing, or repair.
Knowledge of National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS).
Knowledge of VDOT, ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, and AMPP codes, standards, specifications.
PhD in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

Conceive, plan, and conduct multiple research projects using state-of-the-art scientific theories, methodologies, and techniques with limited administrative supervision.
Initiate, monitor, and participate in contract research projects.
Collaborate with support staff or others to collect and validate data.
Analyze and interpret data.
Participate in relevant professional organizations and research committees, such as TRB.
Attend specialty conferences and short courses to enhance knowledge and skills.
Maintain knowledge of current research in areas of specialization through contact with specialization experts at the state and federal level and through studies of technical journals and publications.
Disseminate research findings through written reports; published papers; and presentations to national, state, and VDOT audiences.
Provide scientific peer reviews of VTRC colleagues final research reports.
Provide technical assistance, consultative advice, and technology transfer to a broad spectrum of VDOT personnel, FHWA, and other state and local government officials, and external customers.