Research Scientist - Building Science

Research Scientist - Building Science

Department: Well Living Lab

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Rochester, MN

Compensation: $130,000 - $165,000 / year

Description

Updated on 01/07/2026

Help advance the Well Living Lab's mission: to expand scientific and practical understanding of how indoor environments and human behavior interact to impact health and well-being.

Responsibilities:

• Lead Research Development - Generate research ideas, design and execute protocols, and write proposals for external grant funding.
• Data Oversight - Direct data collection, management, and analysis using advanced statistical methods; ensure data quality and integrity.
• Publication & Communication - Prepare manuscripts, presentations, and reports; publish original research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaboration - Work closely with Mayo Clinic scientists, external research organizations, and industry partners. Serve as a scientific lead or co-lead on Well Living Lab (WLL) projects.
• Integration & Innovation - Align WLL research with broader health and building science platforms; stay current on literature and emerging trends.
• Team Engagement - Collaborate daily with multidisciplinary researchers, technology and operations staff, and academic/industry partners.

You would be a great fit if:

• PhD in a field related to the built environment or systems.
• Minimum 5 years of post-doctoral or equivalent experience in human-centered research within the built environment.
• Expertise in HVAC and environmental controls/engineering and their impact on human health.
• Strong background in experimental design, simulation, and data analysis (including large datasets and statistical programming).
• Proven success in grant writing, IRB submissions, and managing research protocols.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Experience leading research projects and teams, with excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate across disciplines with flexibility and a positive attitude.

Bonus points:

• Experience managing relationships with academic and industry collaborators.
• Active involvement in professional organizations (ASHRAE, ASID, AIA, etc.).
• Knowledge of building science instrumentation (temperature, RH, PM, VOC sensors) and calibration/QA protocols.
• Familiarity with LabVIEW, MATLAB, or Python for instrument control and data analysis.
• Ability to interpret and apply building engineering standards (ASHRAE, ASTM, ISO, LEED, WELL).
• Strong professional network and commitment to staying current on trends in building science, indoor environmental quality, and human-centered design.

Note: This position requires the ability to access U.S. military installations. As a result, employment is contingent upon meeting all applicable federal eligibility requirements, including U.S. citizenship.

Benefits offered include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• 401(k) Retirement Plan, including employer match (100% vested)
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life Insurance and AD&D for employee and dependents)
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Commuter Benefits (Pre-Tax)
• Generous PTO policy
• Volunteer days off
• Competitive parental leave policy