Research Associate 4 or 5

All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page.

Job Posting Title:

Research Associate 4 or 5

Position Type:

Other Academic

Department:

LSUAM Engineering - LTRC - Sustainable and Resilient Pavement Materials and Technologies Center (Louay N Mohammad (00009649))

Work Location:

0101 Louisiana Transportation Research Center

Pay Grade:

Job Description:

Research Associate 4

Conducts advanced transportation materials research testing utilizing advanced materials characterization equipment such as the Materials Testing System (MTS), Universal Testing Machines, Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT), and Superpave asphalt binder equipment. 

45% Conducts advanced scientific research related to transportation materials research. Analyze the data collected, which involves the development of complex mathematical models for the estimation of engineering properties of highway materials. Use advanced knowledge, abilities and skills to provide advanced computer analysis and to assist other researchers in obtaining, analyzing, and interpreting results

20% Directs the usage of and maintains advanced materials characterization equipment. This involves the operation of Materials Testing System (MTS) equipment, Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT), Superpave asphalt binder equipment, and development of specialized software (requiring advanced computer skills) for the conduct of various standard and research type test procedures, and data acquisition and analysis.

10% Management of Graduate Research Assistants in the execution of their research and assists in their training.

10% Development and writing of research proposals for external funding in the area of pavement engineering/transportation materials characterization; prepares technical reports and publications; disseminates study results and research findings in journal and professional meetings; present at technical conferences and seminars.

5% Management of the use of the advanced test equipment at the Sustainable and Resilient Pavement Materials and Technologies Center   

5% Provides advanced technical expertise on related research projects; trains technicians and graduate students in the use of specialized dynamic test equipment and related engineering test methods and softwares. 

5% Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in Civil Engineering or related field with 2 years of experience in pavement engineering/transportation materials characterization and transportation material research in asphalt mixture design. Demonstrated knowledge in the use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools, and statistical software and analysis.

LSU is dedicated to fostering an environment where our employees feel appreciated for their skills and individuality. If a candidate does not meet the minimum qualifications as listed but has substantial experience in the key job responsibilities, we encourage them to apply.

Research Associate 5

Manage and maintain the advanced materials characterization equipment, conducting multiple transportation engineering research projects as a Co-Principal/Senior Investigator, and managing Graduate Research Assistants. Provides specialized technical expertise for ongoing and newly initiated research projects. 

30% Conducts advanced scientific research related to transportation materials research. Responsible for planning, organizing and directing the daily operations. Responsible for directing long range planning and policy development activities.

20% Develops and writes research proposals for external funding in the area of pavement engineering/transportation materials characterization; prepares technical reports and publications; disseminates study results and research findings in journal and professional meetings; present at technical conferences and seminars. Provides direct management support in initiating and developing contacts with grant/contract agencies and sources and in developing funding sources.

15% Maintains advanced materials characterization equipment. This involves the operation and training of the highly specialized Materials Testing System (MTS) equipment, Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester, Superpave asphalt binder equipment, and development of specialized software (requiring advanced computer skills) for the conduct of various standard and research type test procedures, and data acquisition and analysis.

10% Oversees the management of Graduate Research Assistants in the execution of their research and assists in their training.

10% Analyze the data collected, which involves the development of complex mathematical models for the estimation of engineering characteristics of highway materials. Calibrate and verify the developed mathematical models with laboratory experimental and field performance data

10% Prepare technical reports and publications. Disseminating study results and research findings in journal and professional meetings and conduct presentations at technical conferences and seminars and provide expert testimony, represent the project/program, and resolve significant issues which may impact or result from the research. 

5% Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification:

Master's in civil engineering or related field with 2 years of experience in pavement engineering/transportation materials characterization and transportation material research in asphalt mixture design.  Demonstrated knowledge in the use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools, and statistical software and analysis. A Ph.D. will substitute for experience.

Degree Substitute: Bachelor's degree in a related field and six years of related experience OR a terminal degree (Ph.D.) in a related field.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Please include a cover letter, resume, and three professional references in your application. Official transcripts required prior to hire. For questions regarding the position, please reach out the the hiring manager, Dr. Louay Mohammad, at [email protected].

Posting Date:

March 30, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

September 26, 2026

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information: