Research Associate (Product Development)

Position Overview

The Research Associate will support laboratory research and product development efforts focused on lower-carbon cement and concrete products. The position is based onsite at Fortera's San Jose, CA facility and will involve preparing and evaluating cement-based materials, performing standardized and novel testing, assisting with experimental design, and analyzing and communicating research findings.

This position is part of the Product team within Fortera's Research and Development department.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cement-based paste, mortar, and concrete mixtures and evaluate their performance.
• Perform standardized mortar and concrete testing in accordance with ASTM and other applicable testing standards.
• Conduct novel product and performance testing to support research and product development.
• Perform experiments under the guidance of scientists and contribute to experimental planning.
• Accurately collect, organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
• Use research findings to support product and process improvements.
• Operate analytical and materials characterization equipment, such as SEM, XRD, and TGA, as needed.
• Document experimental procedures and results and present findings during research meetings.
• Maintain laboratory supplies, consumables, chemicals, equipment, and inventory records.
• Conduct routine safety inspections and support a clean and organized laboratory environment.
• Follow all laboratory safety procedures and lean practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of professional/industry laboratory experience in R&D or testing.
• Experience working safely in a laboratory environment with chemicals and laboratory equipment.
• Ability to follow experimental procedures and perform testing consistently and repeatably.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated scientific problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to accurately document, organize, and communicate experimental findings.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Willingness to learn new testing methods, equipment, and technical concepts.
• Strong interest in developing a career in research and product development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with standardized mortar or concrete testing, including ASTM C109, C187, C191, C305, C143, C39, C78, and/or AC529.
• Experience with concrete durability testing.
• Experience operating analytical or materials characterization equipment, such as SEM, XRD, and TGA, and interpreting the resulting data.
• Relevant cement or concrete certifications, such as ACI certification, Cement Physical Tester certification, or field or laboratory concrete testing credentials.
• Experience with concrete field operations, manufacturing, batching, or mix design.
• Experience with lower-carbon cement, alternative cementitious materials, or carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies.
• Experience working in a startup or similarly fast-paced environment.

Compensation

The compensation package for this role includes a competitive base salary commensurate with experience of $72,000 - $80,000.

Perks and Benefits

We know that happy employees are productive employees, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 100% company-funded Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability coverages for employees
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• Tax deferred & Roth 401k
• Paid vacation days (increased with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and unlimited PTO for exempt employees