Research Associate 4 or 5

About the role

The Sustainable and Resilient Pavement Materials and Technologies Center at LSU seeks a Research Associate (level 4 or 5) to lead advanced transportation‑materials research. The position involves operating high‑end testing equipment, developing analytical models, and supporting graduate researchers.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct advanced testing using Materials Testing System (MTS), Universal Testing Machines, Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) and Superpave asphalt binder equipment.
• Analyze test data, develop complex mathematical models, and perform computer‑based engineering analyses.
• Maintain and direct the use of all advanced materials‑characterization equipment.
• Supervise and train Graduate Research Assistants.
• Write research proposals, technical reports, and present findings at conferences.
• Provide technical expertise and training on specialized dynamic test equipment and related software.

Required profile

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in pavement engineering or transportation‑materials characterization.
• Familiarity with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods.

Required skills

• Operation of MTS, Universal Testing Machines, AMPT and Superpave equipment.
• Advanced computer analysis and software development for test data acquisition.
• Mathematical modeling of engineering properties of highway materials.
• Data analysis and interpretation.

What we offer

• Access to state‑of‑the‑art testing facilities.
• Opportunities to publish research and secure external funding.
• Collaboration with leading experts in pavement engineering.