Research Scientist

Department: College of Science

Classification: Research Staff 12-month

Job Category: Research Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Manassas, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Center for Collision Safety and Analysis (CCSA) at George Mason University brings together a strong and richly experienced team of scientists and engineers focused on using advanced technology to understand collisions involving transport vehicles and to develop means to avoid or mitigate them to enhance safety and security. CCSA is associated with the College of Science at George Mason University.

The mission of the Center for Collision Safety and Analysis is to advance collision safety though scientific research using sophisticated computational methods that provide a means to establish a sounder understanding of collision dynamics, likely effects on the users, vehicles, and infrastructure system elements, and potential effectiveness of mitigation options.

In addition to the scientific and engineering activities, the operation of CCSA includes interactions with federal government agencies, the National Academy of Science, industrial research sponsors, and other educational and research institutes/universities, as well as other units (colleges and research centers) within Mason. CCSA also operates an experimental facility, the Federal Outdoor Impact Laboratory (FOIL), at the US Department of Transportation.

George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.

About the Position:

The Research Scientist provides the additional needed support to the department to conduct sponsored research projects. The position is responsible for conducting sponsored research in transportation safety, developing material and computer simulation models, developing vehicle and roadside hardware models, and carrying out simulation analysis for vehicle and highway safety for vehicle applications.

Responsibilities:

• Develops Finite Element (FE) models in the Vehicle Digitizing Lab;
• Performs the validation and verification of FE vehicle models;
• Conducts simulations of various regulatory crash modes to improve the validity of FE models.;
• Carries out sponsored research related to simulations, design optimization, material model development, new design concepts and improvement, etc.;
• Develops advanced material models, such as metals, composites, concrete, soil, wood etc., using user-define subroutines for crash and impact applications;
• Performs biomechanics analysis in crash-related simulations using Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD) and Human Body Model (HBM) dummies to study potential injury risks and preventative measures; and
• Builds, maintains, and analyzes databases of crash tests, simulations, real-world accidents, and other related resources to understand accident trends and causes, injury mechanism, safety measures, etc. using Artificial Intelligent (AL) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience in transportation safety, developing material and computer simulation models, developing vehicle and roadside hardware models, and carrying out simulation analysis for vehicle and highway safety for vehicle applications;
• Abilities in using Finite Element modeling and analysis;
• Knowledge of injury biomechanics;
• Knowledge of Artificial Intelligent (AL) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques; and
• Abilities in user-defined material model development of CAE programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in related field;
• Over 5 years of experience in vehicle safety engineering for vehicle structure design and occupant safety and a background in Solid Mechanics;
• Experience in statistical data analysis of crash-related databases (e.g. test data, simulation data, accident data, etc.);
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment to develop creative solutions to complex challenges as well as the ability to work independently;
• Good knowledge of transportation safety and testing standards (e.g. FMVSS, NCAP, IIHS, NCHRP, MASH, etc.) with the latest transportation safety research areas, concepts, practices, procedures, and problem-solving techniques;
• Good skills with finite element pre- and post-processors (e.g., HyperMesh, LS-PrePost, ANSA, etc.);
• Excellent abilities in creating crash simulations with occupants (ATD and HBM) and restraints, specifically using LS-DYNA;
• Good skills with statistical data analysis and software (e.g. SAS);
• Knowledgeable in the behavior, failure, and numerical models of solids such as metals, composite, soil, wood, and concrete; and
• Good verbal and written communication skills, especially with technical reports and grant proposals.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Research Scientist at Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a CV for review.

Posting Open Date: December 8, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by: January 9, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

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Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

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