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Industry: Business Consulting and Services
Company Size: 51-200 employees

AGR, LLC

Savvy Admin PROD

**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.

Research And Development Chemist

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