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Research Chemist – Level 2 (Aggregate Materials & Materials Characterization)

Location: Turner–Fairbank Highway Research Center (McLean, VA)

Employer: Advanced Global Resources (AGR), LLC a contractor to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Position Type: Full-Time, On-Site

Work Hours: Monday through Friday

Clearance: Must pass a federal background check

About the Role

We are seeking a Research Chemist – Level 2 to support the Federal Highway Administration's Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM) at the Turner–Fairbank Highway Research Center. This position plays a key role in advancing national research on pavement and structural materials, with a strong emphasis on aggregate materials, concrete durability, and materials characterization.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on laboratory experience, strong analytical skills, and a demonstrated record of peer‐reviewed publications or federal technical reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct applied and basic research on aggregates, concrete constituents, and pavement materials.
• Perform chemical and microstructural characterization using XRD, XRF, FTIR, Raman, ICP‐OES/MS, TGA/DSC, SEM‐EDS, and particle size analysis.
• Investigate coarse–fine aggregate chemical interactions, alkali–silica reactivity (ASR), and portland limestone cement (PLC) durability.
• Develop and refine analytical protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Prepare literature reviews, research work plans, test matrices, and Work Plan Packages.
• Maintain accurate raw and processed data in accordance with FHWA data management requirements.
• Operate laboratory equipment safely and support routine maintenance, calibration, and inventory tracking.
• Prepare high‐quality technical deliverables including research reports, TechBriefs, and peer‐reviewed manuscripts.
• Support FHWA Technical Assistance Requests through laboratory testing, forensic evaluations, and field sampling.
• Present research findings to FHWA staff, state DOTs, and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Civil/Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated publication experience (peer‐reviewed journals or federal technical reports).
• Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation relevant to cementitious and aggregate materials.
• Knowledge of concrete materials, aggregate mineralogy, and durability mechanisms (ASR, sulfate attack, carbonation).
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to follow laboratory safety protocols and develop SOPs.
• US Citizen or approved work authorization with at least 3 years of residence in the last 5 years in the United States.
• Must be able to pass a federal background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PLC systems, ASR testing (ASTM C1260, C1293, C1567), and SCM characterization.
• Familiarity with AASHTO and ASTM standards for concrete and aggregate testing.
• Experience in federal, academic, or industrial research environments.
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 lbs and handle aggregates, concrete specimens, and laboratory materials.
• Ability to work in laboratory, sample preparation, and occasional field environments.
• Must comply with all TFHRC safety and training requirements.

Why Join Us?

• Contribute to nationally impactful infrastructure research.
• Work with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation.
• Collaborate with leading experts in materials science and transportation research.
• Support FHWA's mission to improve the durability, safety, and performance of the nation's highways.