Research Scientist (Blast Injury Research)

About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

CFD Research is seeking a Research Scientist (Blast Injury Biomechanics) to join our Biotechnology and Life Sciences team, where they will play a central role in establishing and executing experimental research on blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) using preclinical large animal models. The successful candidate will design and conduct controlled blast overpressure exposure studies, specify and operate the associated instrumentation, and analyze multiscale datasets spanning the blast environment, biomechanical response, and tissue-level and neurological outcomes. These data will support the validation of computational injury models and the development of injury criteria and protective strategies for the warfighter. This role offers the opportunity to help build a new experimental capability from the ground up, working at the intersection of experimental biomechanics, data analysis, and computational modeling in a collaborative, fast-paced environment focused on innovation and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute controlled blast overpressure exposure studies using preclinical large animal (e.g., swine) and other injury models
• Specify, integrate, calibrate, and operate instrumentation for characterizing blast environments and biomechanical response, including pressure sensors, accelerometers, strain gauges, high-speed imaging, and high-rate data acquisition systems
• Develop, submit, and maintain animal research protocols and ensure compliance with IACUC, USDA, and DoD (ACURO) requirements
• Collect, curate, and analyze multiscale datasets spanning blast environment measurements, head and brain biomechanical response, and tissue-level, biochemical, and neurobehavioral outcomes
• Apply statistical and machine learning methods to characterize dose-response relationships and support development of injury risk criteria
• Partner with computational teams to deliver validation-quality experimental data for blast and injury simulation models
• Support test and evaluation of personal protective equipment and blast mitigation strategies
• Coordinate with veterinary, histopathology, and laboratory personnel to execute studies and outcome assessments
• Contribute to development of laboratory capability, including facility and equipment planning, standard operating procedures, and data management practices
• Document methodologies, code, and results; prepare technical reports and deliverables for government sponsors
• Contribute to scientific reports, proposals, and peer-reviewed publications

Qualifications

Required

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Neuroscience, or a closely related field (or MS with equivalent relevant experience)
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing experimental injury biomechanics, blast, or impact exposure studies
• Hands-on experience with in vivo preclinical research models, including large animal (e.g., swine) models
• Working knowledge of animal research regulatory compliance, including IACUC and USDA requirements; familiarity with ACURO review for DoD-funded work
• Experience with sensor instrumentation and high-rate data acquisition for dynamic events (e.g., piezoelectric/ICP pressure sensors, accelerometry, high-speed imaging)
• Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for processing, analysis, and visualization of experimental datasets
• Strong foundation in experimental design and statistical analysis
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and a willingness to learn and apply new methods, tools, and scientific domains as project needs evolve
• Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts and collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and troubleshoot complex technical challenges

Preferred

• Experience with blast overpressure exposure systems, such as shock tubes, blast simulators, or field/live-fire test environments
• Experience with blast-induced traumatic brain injury or neurotrauma models, including neuroinflammation, histopathology, or neurobehavioral assessment
• Experience supporting test and evaluation of military personal protective equipment
• Familiarity with computational modeling and model validation workflows (e.g., finite element or computational fluid dynamics injury models)
• Experience applying machine learning to biomedical, image-based, or behavioral datasets
• Laboratory proficiency in molecular and histological techniques (e.g., immunohistochemistry, qPCR, cryosectioning, fluorescence microscopy)
• Experience supporting federally funded research programs (DoD, VA, NIH), including technical reporting and proposal development
• Familiarity with version control (e.g., Git) and reproducible data analysis workflows

Benefits: CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories