DescriptionPosition Summary
The candidate will support the operation of a construction materials and structural testing laboratory. The candidate must have experience with laboratory testing, specimen fabrication, instrumentation, data analysis, equipment management, and reporting. This position is intended for an individual who can function in both technical and hands-on roles, assisting with the planning, execution, documentation, and interpretation of laboratory and field testing related to construction materials and structural systems.
The position includes work on materials such as conventional concrete, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), grout, mortar, reinforcing steel, structural steel, fiber composites, and other civil engineering materials, as well as testing of structural elements and assemblies such as beams, columns, slabs, walls, connections, anchors, reinforced concrete members, steel components, composite members, and full- or reduced-scale structural specimens.
The role requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced laboratory environment, maintain high standards of quality and safety, and support research, quality assurance, and project-specific testing programs.
ResponsibilitiesEssential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform laboratory testing of construction materials in accordance with ASTM, AASHTO, DOT, and other applicable standards.
- Prepare, cast, cure, handle, and test specimens for mechanical, durability, and physical property evaluation.
- Conduct testing related to fresh and hardened concrete, cementitious materials, reinforcing materials, steel, and related materials.
- Assist with the setup and execution of structural tests on components, subassemblies, and full-scale or reduced-scale specimens.
- Support testing of structural members such as beams, columns, slabs, walls, frames, connections, anchorages, and composite elements under static, cyclic, fatigue, service, and ultimate loading conditions.
- Assist in fabrication, assembly, and preparation of structural test specimens, including formwork, reinforcement placement, connection detailing, and test frame setup.
- Install and verify instrumentation used in structural testing, including strain gauges, LVDTs, displacement transducers, load cells, inclinometers, pressure transducers, thermocouples, and other sensors.
- Support operation of hydraulic actuators, reaction frames, data acquisition systems, control systems, and other structural testing equipment.
- Monitor testing in real time to verify data quality, specimen response, loading sequence compliance, and laboratory safety.
- Contribute to test planning for structural experiments involving serviceability, strength, ductility, stiffness degradation, failure mechanisms, resilience, and durability performance.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an appropriate field of specialization.
Preferred Qualifications
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT).
- Experience writing reports and interacting with research sponsors.
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering, or a related field; or
- Experience with laboratory testing of construction materials and/or structural systems.
- Familiarity with ASTM, AASHTO, DOT, or similar testing and design standards as applicable.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, test procedures, and fabrication details.
- Proficiency with spreadsheets, data recording, and technical reporting.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to lift, move, and handle materials, formwork, reinforcement, and test specimens typical of a construction materials and structural laboratory
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods in a laboratory environment.
- Ability to lift and carry materials, molds, buckets, reinforcement, instrumentation equipment, and structural hardware, with or without accommodation.
- Ability to work around heavy equipment, hydraulic systems, wet materials, dust, noise, and varying temperatures associated with laboratory and limited field work.
****This job is subject to Foreign Influence Screening: During the 2021 Florida legislative session, House Bill 7017 (“HB 7017”) was passed and later signed into law by Governor DeSantis. The new law modifies a variety of Florida Statutes to address concerns regarding improper foreign influence. With regard to employment at major research institutions like the University of South Florida, the new law requires thorough review of certain applicants for positions involving research.
