Research Professional at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Department



PSD James Franck Institute: Administration and Staff



About the Department



The James Franck Institute is an interdisciplinary institute between Physics and Chemistry. This position is in the group of Prof. Guyot-Sionnest, which studies the optical and optoelectronic properties of colloidal nanoparticles, as well as films and devices made from these nanoparticles.



Job Summary



The Research Professional will start with the synthesis of colloidal nanoparticles, primarily mercury chalcogenides, and the synthesis of epitaxial shells on these nanoparticles, primarily cadmium chalcogenides. The particles produced are then characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared absorption, and infrared photoluminescence. Inks of the colloidal particles must then be made so that optically smooth films can be cast on a variety of substrates. The measurement of the absorption and photoluminescence of the films must be made and the photoluminescence quantum yield of the IR emitting films must be measured. The applicant must design methods to improve the quantum yield of the films.



Responsibilities

• Conduct rigorous research and innovate in the topics described in the Job summary. Write monthly findings in PowerPoint and word format for the PI to review.
  
  


• Participate at conference when notable results are ready to be reported publicly, and the submission is accepted for a presentation.
  
  


• Organize and keep a neat physical lab notebook with entries for every day, with description of activities, samples made, characterization, and names of each new data file and location.
  
  


• Participate in weekly group meetings with prepared accounts of the week's work.
  
  


• Organize the chemical labs in neat order and update inventory as needed.
  
  


• Practice lab safety protocol.
  
  


• Place orders of supplies and chemicals as needed.
  
  


• Write publishable findings into amanuscript for submission.
  
  


• Performs experiments and collects and analyzes data. Participates in the promotion of a research project.
  
  


• Participates in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports, and co-authors/authors scientific research manuscripts. Provides peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
  
  


• May present work at scientific meetings.
  
  


• Performs other related work as needed.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications




Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through ---
Certifications:




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Preferred Qualifications




Education:

• PhD degree in experimental physics, chemistry or engineering.
  
  

Experience:

• Research in a chemistry of materials laboratory.
  
  

Licenses and Certifications:

• Prior publications as the first author in reputable journals such as ACS journals, on the topic of colloidal nanoparticle synthesis, structural and optical characterization.
  
  

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Chemistry of inorganic and toxic compounds.
  
  


• Air free colloidal nanoparticle synthesis.
  
  


• Glovebox use.
  
  


• TEM imaging, XRD data taking and analysis, UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy and analysis.
  
  


• Basic optics.
  
  


• Excellent English speaking and writing.
  
  


• Software: PowerPoint, Word, Origin.
  
  

Preferred Competencies

• Reading and understanding scientific literature.
  
  


• Chemical safety awareness in the lab.
  
  


• Good writing skills for scientific articles.
  
  


• Energetic, honest, friendly, efficient.
  
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
  
  


• Cover Letter (preferred)
  
  


• References (preferred)
  
  

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.



Job Family



Research



Role Impact



Individual Contributor



FLSA Status



Exempt



Pay Frequency



Monthly



Scheduled
Weekly Hours



37.5



Benefits Eligible



Yes



Drug Test Required



No



Health Screen Required



No



Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required



No



Posting Statement



The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.


Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.


We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.


All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.


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