Aggregate and Petrography Laboratory Manager

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High Performance Technologies, Inc. (HPTech) is an infrastructure-centered firm focusing on practice, research, policy, and technology transfer.  HPTech was established in 2003 with the primary purpose of serving the U.S. federal government at their facilities and project sites.  Our uniqueness lies in our ability to integrate physical sciences, social sciences, engineering, planning, and policy when developing and delivering infrastructure solutions.

HPTech is currently pursuing a task order under a major federal contract, and we are identifying candidates who would be interested in working with us should we be awarded the task order.  At this stage, we are looking for an Aggregate and Petrography Laboratory (APL) Manager who will be responsible for the oversight of a state-of-the-art laboratory at a government facility. The APL conducts research in characterizing various construction materials used in bridges and pavements and identifying deterioration mechanisms encountered in these facilities.  APL, in collaboration with other laboratories, also participates in the forensic investigation of transportation infrastructure. The laboratory is equipped with a variety of sample preparation and analysis equipment.  These include stereo microscopes, transmitted and reflected light microscopes and image-capturing systems. 
 

The APL manager will be responsible for overall scheduling of laboratory resources and day-to-day laboratory operations. The APL manager will also be responsible for ensuring that all equipment are in a state of good repair, equipment calibrations and annual maintenance requirements are upheld, and the laboratory safety plan is up-to-date. The APL manager will have experience working in a research laboratory environment with at least 5 years of laboratory management experience. This is a hands-on management position with functional responsibilities equivalent to that of a Petrographer.  As a petrographer, the candidate will continually look for ways to improve the analysis and characterization of transportation infrastructure aimed at mitigating their premature deterioration and failure.

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Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in geology, mineralogy, civil engineering, or related discipline. 

• At least 5 years of laboratory management experience in a research environment.

• Proven ability to develop and execute experimental designs and research plans.

• Specific experience in performing detailed petrographic examinations of construction materials (aggregates, rocks, concrete, mortar, masonry, etc.).

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in aggregates, cement, and concrete materials and mixtures used in highway construction.

• Capable of complementing petrographic analysis with other material characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemical analysis.

• Experienced with the use of automated air void systems meeting the requirements of ASTM C457 including those that incorporate image analysis. 

• Record of published peer-reviewed journal articles and research reports, and conference presentations.

• Excellent verbal, presentation, and writing skills.

• Excellent team and collaborative skills.

• Professional Geologist (PG) or Professional Engineer (P.E.) registration highly desirable.

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This anticipated position, which is contingent upon the task order award to HPTech, would be based in McLean, Virginia.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

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For timely consideration, apply online by March 3, 2023.

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HPTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.