Forensic Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

The Senior Petrographer is an expert-level specialist in petrography, responsible for leading forensic investigations, mentoring junior petrographers, and providing high-level consulting on material performance and failure mechanisms. This role focuses on strategic petrographic research, advanced microscopy techniques, and leadership in materials analysis.

At this level, professionals oversee complex projects, guide internal teams, and contribute to industry best practices through technical expertise, process improvements, and knowledge-sharing. The Senior Petrographer also supports business development initiatives by engaging with clients, engineers, and research institutions to advance AET’s expertise in petrography.

This role prepares individuals for Principal Petrographer, where leadership expands to include industry thought leadership, research contributions, and strategic consulting at a national level.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodation or workable solutions may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Lead advanced forensic petrographic investigations for concrete, aggregates, cementitious materials, and related structures.
• Perform high-level microscopy work, including thin section analysis using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Provide expert assessments of construction materials failures, performance issues, and deterioration mechanisms, including:
  1. Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and alkali-carbonate reaction (ACR)
  2. Sulfate attack, delayed ettringite formation (DEF), and freeze-thaw deterioration
  3. Chemical attack, carbonation, and fire/high-temperature damage assessment
  4. Long-term durability concerns in concrete, mortars, and coatings
• Conduct ASTM standard testing methodologies, including:
  1. ASTM C295 – Petrographic examination of aggregates
  2. ASTM C856 – Petrographic examination of hardened concrete
  3. ASTM C457 – Air-void system analysis in hardened concrete
• Provide technical oversight for material characterization projects, ensuring quality control and best practices in petrographic analysis.
• Act as a technical leader, supporting engineers, construction firms, and quality control teams in material performance evaluations and best practices.
• Review and refine technical reports, failure analyses, and consulting recommendations, ensuring clarity and technical accuracy.
• Advise on materials selection, durability optimization, and long-term performance considerations in construction projects.
• Assist clients in developing mitigation strategies for materials degradation and performance issues.
• Contribute to industry research, case studies, and material science advancements, strengthening AET’s expertise.
• Provide mentorship and leadership for Petrographer Level 1, Level 2, and PIT professionals, guiding their professional growth.
• Conduct peer reviews of technical reports, ensuring high standards in forensic petrography.
• Lead internal training sessions and workshops on petrographic methodologies and advanced failure analysis.
• Support the development of laboratory protocols and testing improvements, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
• Participate in ASTM, AASHTO, and industry committee meetings, contributing to advancements in material science.
• Engage in technical conferences, research initiatives, and knowledge-sharing programs.
• Lead research and development efforts to explore new forensic petrography techniques and material analysis methodologies.
• Develop internal best practices for forensic petrography, ensuring alignment with industry trends and innovations.
• Support business development efforts, contributing technical expertise to proposals and client discussions.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including materials testing, geotechnical engineering, and environmental consulting.
• Assist in refining AET’s petrography service offerings, expanding capabilities in forensic materials analysis.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Leads mentorship, training, and peer review efforts for junior petrographers.
• Provides technical leadership for forensic investigations and laboratory improvements.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Materials Science, Civil Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 8-12+ years of experience in petrography, forensic materials analysis, and construction materials assessments.
• Expertise in PLM, SEM, thin section analysis, and advanced failure investigations.
• Strong understanding of ASTM standards (C295, C856, C457, and related methodologies).
• Experience in mentoring, peer review, and leadership within a laboratory setting.
• Excellent technical writing and report development skills for advanced materials analysis.
• Ability to provide strategic consulting on material selection, durability, and performance.

Preferred Skills

• Strong problem-solving and investigative skills in materials science.
• Excellent verbal and written communication for technical presentations and industry engagement.
• Ability to manage multiple high-level projects and lead research initiatives.
• Proficiency in data analysis, laboratory management, and quality control improvements.

Pay Transparency

Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $87,000-$100,000 per year based on skill set and experience. AET offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health benefits, insurance, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), long term savings, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. The selected candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Work Environment

This position operates within a laboratory setting, conducting microscopic analyses, material characterization, and forensic evaluations. The role involves prolonged periods of microscope use, data documentation, and sample preparation utilizing precision cutting, staining, and polishing techniques. Employees may work with chemical reagents and fine particulates, requiring compliance with strict laboratory safety procedures and PPE guidelines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands or fingers, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.