Staff Scientist, Materials Preparation and Measurement Laboratory

Department

PSD James Franck Institute: MRSEC Research Group

About the Department

The University of Chicago Materials Research Center is an NSF MRSEC that facilitates innovation by tackling some of the deepest intellectual challenges of materials research through interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts involving multiple research groups that span three campus academic divisions (PSD, PME, and BSD) as well as external collaborators. We make a dedicated effort to foster a research environment that promotes excellence, creativity, and rigor where students, postdocs, and faculty alike benefit from interactions with those with different scientific expertise and research interests. This effort entails a strong commitment to nurturing the next generation of materials science researchers through the successful training of students at all levels (undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral fellows) in our research labs. We operate our shared research facilities to provide state-of-the-art materials measurement and preparation instrumentation beyond what can be supported by individual research labs. This strengthens our entire scientific enterprise and provides a vibrant shared resource to the University of Chicago, the broader materials science community, and the national research infrastructure.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Staff Scientist for Materials Preparation and Measurement Laboratory (MPML) is an open access shared user instrumentation facility in the Materials Research Center at the University of Chicago. The MPML is one of the largest materials characterization facilities on campus and maintains shared instrumentation for scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning probe / atomic force microscopy, optical microscopy / metrology, optical spectroscopy, elemental analysis, digital fabrication and 3D printing, surface characterization, thermal processing, low-temperature electrical and magnetic characterization, and other advanced techniques. Within this portfolio, the Staff Scientist will primarily oversee our SEM instrumentation including two field-emission SEMs, a tabletop SEM, EDS systems, and EM sample preparation equipment. These responsibilities will include but are not limited to: SEM instrument operation / maintenance / technical support, training SEM users and collaboratively supporting user research projects, developing SEM-related training materials and protocols, and participating in the education efforts of the MPML. The Staff Scientist will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent time management skills, and enjoy working in a fast-paced research environment with a broad range of users, students, and research groups.

Responsibilities

• Oversee, operate, maintain, and support advanced SEM instrumentation, EDS / EDX systems, and EM sample preparation equipment.
• Train shared core users (students, postdocs, researchers, etc.) to properly operate SEM, EDS, and EM sample preparation systems and help optimize results.
• Provide technical expertise, consultation, and support for user research projects, scientific publications, conference presentations, and proposals.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software in coordination with vendors and service contracts.
• Develop, investigate, and apply new procedures, instrumentation, applications, and techniques to enhance our facility capabilities.
• Develop, implement, and update user training, instrument operation, and equipment maintenance procedures.
• Develop, implement, and update educational efforts using facility SEM resources.
• Stay current with new developments in SEM and relevant instrumentation and techniques by reading scientific literature and technical publications, attending conferences, and working collaboratively with vendors.
• Provide support for other core instrumentation, core staff, and core efforts as necessary.
• Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.
• Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:     

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

Experience:   

• Experience with field emission SEMs for low-kV imaging and soft materials.
• Expertise with advanced scanning electron microscopy instrumentation, techniques, and applications.
• Expertise with Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS / EDX) and analysis.
• Expertise with electron microscopy sample preparation techniques and equipment.
• Experience using or managing shared core instrumentation.
• Experience with science education programs.
• Experience with other relevant shared core instrumentation.

Application Documents

• CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• 3 References (required)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$75,000.00 - $90,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.

 

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