Job description

Bring your developing (or established) construction materials expertise and curiosity for solving problems to the Janney Technical Center (JTC) of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE), headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois.
Our 15-person materials science team is seeking to add a Construction Materials Scientist, with a specialized focus in cementitious materials applications.* As a Construction Materials Scientist, you will apply a principles-first, problem-solving approach to determine root causes of problems, characterize materials, and evaluate performance for a variety of materials applications across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.
Recognizing the unique combination of skills applicable to the niche practice of cement chemistry, we are open to considering candidates at a variety of experience levels for this position. Whether you are early in your career or an established expert, our team is ready and willing to provide commensurate support, mentorship, and training necessary to set you up for long-term success.
Watch this video to take a virtual tour of the JTC.
Typical Responsibilities of Early-Career Candidates:

• Contribute to the day-to-day success of multiple concurrent projects and complete assignments with limited oversight, under the guidance of experienced materials scientists
• Perform hands-on chemical and instrumental analyses, for the compositional characterization of cementitious materials, including the use of XRF, DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, etc.
• Perform physical testing, such as compressive strength and durability testing
• Accurately record and organize data for analysis, while exercising good judgment in assessing the reasonableness of test results
• Assume responsibility for key aspects of laboratory safety, maintenance, and quality assurance, including setting up, operating, and maintaining laboratory instruments; cleaning glassware; and restocking laboratory supplies, reagents, and solutions

Additional Responsibilities of Experienced Candidates:

• Project execution, including performing hands-on chemical and instrumental analyses; interpreting analytical data and reports; researching historical background of various materials, technical issues, and code requirements; preparing detailed technical investigation and testing reports; and developing innovative yet practical alternative solutions and recommendations
• Project management, including developing project scope; assembling and managing appropriate project teams; maintaining project schedules and budgets; and managing internal and external client expectations and deliverables
• Technical practice development, including providing expert consultation to interdisciplinary WJE project teams; mentoring and training up-and-coming colleagues; collaborating with other WJE subject-matter experts (SME); contributing to in-house research and development (R&D) efforts; participating with in-house Technical Resource Groups (TRGs); contributing to industry articles, presentations, and/or committees; and fostering new and existing external client relationships

Qualifications / Key Competencies:

• Master’s degree or PhD in chemistry, materials science, civil engineering, or related field
• Relevant academic and/or industry laboratory experience
• Effective technical, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing demands, while maintaining a high standard of excellence, integrity, and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated interest and developing expertise in applied materials chemistry, preferably including some or all of the following materials and applications in the AEC industry: compositional characterization of portland cement and other cementitious materials using XRF, DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, etc.; supplementary cementitious materials (SCM); ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC); self-consolidating concrete (SCC); self-healing concrete; fly ash and other admixtures; polymer-composites; overlays; concrete repair applications; wet chemistry; and/or physical testing (e.g., compression, durability testing)

• Potential opportunities exist for experienced construction materials chemists with alternative specialties as well.

• *Physical Requirements:

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. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate office and laboratory equipment such as balances, glassware, chemicals, computer, printer, copier, telephone, voicemail system, and other office and lab equipment. Requirements may also include:

• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment up to 35 lbs
• Ability to understand and appreciate safety training specific to numerous workplace and laboratory hazards
• Ability to work safely in a chemistry laboratory and physical testing environment
• Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment

Why Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE):
With more than 65 years of experience in the forensic structural, materials, and architectural engineering field, WJE Associates have the opportunity to learn from and grow alongside industry-leading experts (locally and company-wide) in a challenging yet collaborative environment, supported by our collective technical knowledge and state-of-the-art laboratory and testing capabilities.
WJE is an employee-owned company that employs a diverse group of C2E2 people—people with outstanding C*haracter, unwavering Commitment to our core and culture, strong Expertise, and genuine E*nthusiasm for their work. Our extraordinary people enjoy a fulfilling and flexible work environment: one that is inclusive and genuinely values and fairly treats every employee; one that is based on trust and personal responsibility; one that encourages open communication, continued learning, innovative thinking, excellence, and teamwork; and one that provides each employee a combined opportunity for personal, professional, and financial growth that is unsurpassed in our business. Learn more at www.wje.com/about
Annual starting base salary (gross): $72,000 to $112,700. Actual salaries will vary and will be based on several factors including consideration for a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role. Base salary is one component of our total compensation package for employees. WJE offers an industry-leading total rewards package that enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits including robust and affordable health plans, generous 401(k) matching and bonus programs, time off to care for yourself and others, and investments in employees’ professional development, to name a few. More information on WJE’s total rewards package can be found here.
WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants to apply including individuals with disabilities, minorities, women, and protected veterans (VEVRAA federal contractor).

WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Job Type: Full-time

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