Job Description
This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration. Research Title: Research Engineering Technician - Materials and Structural Systems Division, Engineering Laboratory, NIST The work will entail: Provides essential technical support to various research projects conducted within the Division's laboratories by utilizing advanced precision research apparatuses and sophisticated measurement devices, in close collaboration with scientists and engineers. Contributes technical expertise to the development, evaluation, and refinement of research plans and experimental testing procedures, focused on advancing the understanding and measurement of material properties and material degradation mechanisms over time when exposed to environmental stressors including UV, temperature and RH. Oversees the coordination of technical teams by organizing and delegating complex experimental tasks, providing guidance to technicians, and ensuring the successful execution of research projects with a focus on material properties and degradation. Work impacts the reliability and accuracy of experimental data, providing critical support to scientific and engineering studies, contributing to advancements in materials degradation, informing decision-making, research publications, and the development of innovative measurement techniques and systems for service life prediction of materials. Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to: