Research Assistant in Construction Engineering

Job Description

<p>Come contribute to the research team of Professor Éric Tremblay-Lachance, dedicated to advancing practices in construction engineering and to the sustainable transformation of road infrastructures.</p><p>Professor Éric Lachance-Tremblay is a professional engineer and holds both a master's and a PhD in engineering, with a specialization in the study of asphalt mixture behavior. His doctoral thesis was completed in co-supervision with the University of Lyon, France. Since September 2021, he has been a full-time professor in Construction Engineering at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS). His research activities focus primarily on construction materials and pavement rehabilitation techniques.</p><p>Prior to joining the ÉTS faculty, Professor Lachance-Tremblay worked for nearly four years in the road infrastructure and construction materials industry. His expertise was applied to civil engineering failure investigations, and he also served as an expert witness in several technical litigation cases. He is also co-director of the <b>LCMB (Pavements and Bituminous Materials Laboratory)</b> , a research laboratory dedicated to road materials, developing projects aimed at improving the durability and circularity of materials used in civil engineering.</p><b>Research Areas</b><p>His research is structured around three main themes:</p><ul><li>Sustainable development, circular economy, and environmental challenges</li><li>Infrastructure and the built environment</li><li>Innovative materials and advanced manufacturing</li></ul><b>Areas of Expertise</b><ul><li>Construction materials</li><li>Material characterization</li><li>Pavement construction and rehabilitation</li><li>Forensic engineering</li></ul><p>Join a renowned university whose mission is to train the engineers of tomorrow and benefit from working conditions highly valued by our employees:</p><ul><li>Collective agreement available for research assistants and associates;</li><li>Flexible and personalized work schedule;</li><li>Work-life balance;</li><li>Remote work opportunity through a hybrid model combining telework and on-site work;</li><li>On-site sports center;</li><li>Incentive transportation program;</li><li>Discounted Bixi membership;</li><li>For more details, please consult the applicable working conditions.</li></ul><p>The Research Assistant will begin their activities at the LCMB. The selected candidate will also be integrated into the newly established Research Chair in Municipal Pavement Rehabilitation, a program currently under development aimed at accelerating the adoption of innovative, circular, and resilient practices in pavement design, assessment, construction, and maintenance.</p><p>The Chair will bring together multiple municipal and industrial partners around a shared objective: optimizing performance, reducing carbon footprint, and improving life-cycle management of road infrastructures in Québec.</p><p>Under the supervision of Research Lead Éric Lachance-Tremblay, the Research Assistant will focus primarily on research-related activities. They will participate in experimental or technical activities (within their field of expertise) related to the projects or studies to which they are assigned.</p><b>WHAT WILL BE YOUR IMPACT AS A RESEARCH ASSISTANT AT ÉTS?</b><p>You will have the opportunity to play a key role in the creation, deployment, and evaluation of innovative solutions for the sustainable rehabilitation of municipal pavements. By joining the LCMB and the new Research Chair in Municipal Pavement Rehabilitation, you will directly contribute to transforming industry practices by working at the intersection of applied research, field implementation, and the concrete needs of municipal partners.</p><p>Your contribution will support the development of more sustainable materials, the optimization of rehabilitation methods, the integration of circular economy principles, and the reduction of the carbon footprint of road projects. Your work will have a direct impact on infrastructure performance, municipal decision-making, and the evolution of industry standards.</p><b>On a daily basis, you will:</b><ul><li><b>Assist the research lead and team members</b> in planning, monitoring, and executing research activities, particularly for Chair-related projects (protocol development, field coordination, test preparation, and technical documentation) as well as sponsored testing requests.</li><li><b>Participate in field assessment and sampling campaigns</b> (DCP, LWD, FWD, coring, sampling), in collaboration with municipal partners.</li><li><b>Perform laboratory calibration, handling, and testing</b> , including recycled material formulation, mechanical testing (E*, ITS/ITSM, dynamic modulus), freeze-thaw protocols, gradation analyses, and performance testing.</li><li><b>Design, test, evaluate, and analyze experimental data</b> , ensuring the quality, rigor, and compliance of results.</li><li><b>Write, update, and maintain laboratory notes</b> documenting tests, protocols, and key observations.</li><li><b>Observe and apply safe laboratory work</b> practices in accordance with ÉTS and LCMB standards.</li><li><b>Maintain laboratory functionality</b> , including equipment maintenance, inventory management, equipment preparation, workspace organization, and material management.</li><li><b>Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, scientific articles, presentations, and knowledge-transfer documents</b> for municipal, industrial, and academic partners.</li><li><b>Stay informed of emerging scientific</b> developments, industry practices, and opportunities related to the Chair's research themes.</li></ul><b>DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO MEET THE CHALLENGE?</b><ul><li><b>You hold a bachelor's degree</b> in a relevant discipline, such as Construction Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Materials Engineering.</li><li>You have <b>a solid understanding of fundamental concepts in construction materials and/or road infrastructure</b>. Knowledge of rehabilitation techniques, recycled materials, or mechanical characterization testing is a strong asset.</li><li>You are recognized for your communication and writing skills, as well as your positive and collaborative attitude. Your diplomacy and ability to synthesize information enable you to facilitate workshops and produce high-impact publications in both French and English.</li><li>You are adaptable to the changing nature of research and able to respond effectively to unforeseen challenges.</li><li><p>Your application will be considered particularly strong if you also possess the following skills and experience:</p></li><li><p>Laboratory testing experience (gradation, compaction, E*, ITS/ITSM, freeze-thaw, mechanical testing);</p></li><li>Familiarity with pavement assessment techniques (DCP, LWD, FWD);</li><li>Skills in instrumentation, equipment calibration, or laboratory management;</li><li>Data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel, R, or similar software);</li><li>Knowledge of recycled materials, stabilization techniques, or pavement rehabilitation processes;</li><li>Ability to produce structured technical reports and professional documentation;</li><li>Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle (a significant asset for field campaigns with municipalities).</li></ul><b>Do you see yourself in this role? We look forward to meeting you!</b>