Job Description:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:         

• Masterâ™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)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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 the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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