Staff Scientist, Materials Preparation and Measurement Laboratory at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Department



PSD James Franck Institute: MRSEC



About the Department



The University of Chicago MRSEC is an NSF-funded research Center that facilitates innovation by tackling some of the deepest intellectual challenges of materials research through interdisciplinary, collaborative efforts among multiple research groups, spanning three academic divisions (PSD, PME, and BSD) on campus and includes external collaborators. We make a dedicated effort to foster a research environment that promotes creativity and rigor, and where students, postdocs and faculty alike benefit from interactions with those with different technical backgrounds and research interests. This effort includes a strong commitment to education and outreach, including outreach to our local neighborhood and the general public. Central to our mission is nurturing the next generation of materials science researchers, and improving its diversity, through the successful training of students at all levels (undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral fellows) in our research labs. We operate Shared Facilities that enable state-of-the-art materials preparation and measurement, requiring resources beyond what can be attained by an individual research lab. Coupling these complementary aspects of our program strengthens the entire scientific enterprise and provides a vibrant resource to the University of Chicago, the broader materials science community, our neighborhood and the general public.



Job Summary



The Materials Preparation and Measurement Laboratory (MPML) is a multi-user shared instrumentation facility in the NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at the University of Chicago. The Staff Scientist will work closely with MPML staff to enable day-to-day technical research operations of the facility including user training, instrument operation, instrument maintenance, and research project support.



Responsibilities

• Oversee and operate advanced materials characterization instrumentation.
  
  


• Train students, postdocs, researchers, and other users on measurement techniques, proper operation of instrumentation, and sample preparation.
  
  


• Provide technical expertise, consultation, and collaboration for user research projects.
  
  


• Develop, investigate, and apply new procedures, instrumentation, and techniques.
  
  


• Assist preparation of research proposals, scientific papers, and conference presentations.
  
  


• Perform equipment maintenance and repairs to maximize equipment performance and availability. Troubleshoot hardware and software. Coordinate repairs with vendors.
  
  


• Develop, implement, and update user training procedures.
  
  


• Develop, implement, and update instrument operation procedures.
  
  


• Develop, implement, and update equipment maintenance procedures.
  
  


• Develop, implement, and update educational and outreach programs using facility resources.
  
  


• Participate in acquisition efforts for capital equipment and instrumentation including preparation of instrument acquisition proposals.
  
  


• Stay apprised of developments in experimental instrumentation and techniques that may enhance the scientific and educational mission of the facility. Includes attending conferences, working with vendors, and reading scientific literature and trade publications.
  
  


• Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
  
  


• Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments. Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.
  
  


• Performs other related work as needed.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications




Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:




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Preferred Qualifications




Education:

• Master's degree with significant relevant academic or industrial experience.
  
  

Experience:

• Knowledge of technical, operational, managerial, user training, and maintenance requirements of a shared core user research instrumentation facility, as well as highly specialized systems, instrumentation, and techniques relevant to materials science characterization and sample preparation.
  
  


• Expertise with advanced scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and materials characterization techniques such as Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS).
  
  


• Expertise with electron microscopy sample preparation techniques.
  
  


• Expertise with soft matter characterization techniques and instrumentation.
  
  


• Experience with scanning probe microscopy (SPM) instrumentation.
  
  


• Experience with 3D printing, 3D modeling, CAD design, laser cutting, and digital fabrication technologies.
  
  


• Experience with advanced optical microscopy instrumentation including Raman, confocal, polarization, and fluorescence.
  
  


• Experience with optical spectroscopy including UV/VIS/NIR absorption, fluorescence, Raman, ellipsometry, and dynamic light scattering instrumentation.
  
  


• Experience with liquid Helium cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, and electronics for electrical and magnetic characterization of samples.
  
  


• Experience with teaching, training, and mentoring students and researchers.
  
  


• Experience with science outreach programs.
  
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
  
  


• Cover Letter (required)
  
  


• 3 Letters of Reference supplied by 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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