Senior Research Scientist –Flammability and Fire Dynamics

Company: FM
Location: Norwood
Posted on: March 2, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description: Established nearly two centuries ago, FM is a leading mutual insurance company whose capital, scientific research capability and engineering expertise are solely dedicated to property risk management and the resilience of its policyholder-owners. These owners, who share the belief that the majority of property loss is preventable, represent many of the world’s largest organizations, including one of every four Fortune 500 companies. They work with FM to better understand the hazards that can impact their business continuity to make cost-effective risk management decisions, combining property loss prevention with insurance protection. FM is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to develop new scientific knowledge, technologies, and engineering solutions to challenges in material flammability, fire dynamics, and fire protection, which can be used and applied by FM to help prevent or control property loss for insured clients. Responsibilities Lead internally funded research projects in flammability, combustion, fire propagation, extinguishment, heat and smoke generation, heat transfer, and related areas. Conduct experimental and theoretical research to understand fire behavior over a range of scales. Closely collaborate with fire modeling scientists to develop and validate sub-models related to pyrolysis, heat transfer, and fire dynamics. Interpret and analyze experimental data and prepare high?quality technical documentation. Communicate test methods, results, and engineering recommendations to internal and external stakeholders, including collaborators, clients, and industry partners. Manage all aspects of project management, including proposals, planning, execution, reporting, and engineering application. Qualifications: PhD in Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, or a closely related field. Strong fundamental background in combustion, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and applied mathematics. Research experience in experimental and analytical methods in thermal fluids, material flammability, heat transfer, and combustion/fire, along with an understanding of associated numerical methods. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to develop effective solutions to complex technical challenges. Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to productively collaborate in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Keywords: FM, Woonsocket , Senior Research Scientist –Flammability and Fire Dynamics, Engineering , Norwood, Rhode Island