Research Scientist - Materials Research Laboratory
University of Illinois

Research Scientist

Materials Research Laboratory

The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Materials Research Laboratory (MRL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to participate and actively support research in the areas of scanning electron microscopy as well in our battery fabrication and characterization core of the facilities. The Research Scientist will provide comprehensive technical support and user training for equipment, procedures, and safety in the broad areas of materials microanalysis and new energy storage development.

The successful candidate will become a member of the dedicated staff of approximately 20 scientists and engineers, who maintain major research instruments in the MRL's core facilities for electron microscopy, battery fabrication and characterization facilities, soft materials characterization, scanning probe microscopy, laser and optical spectroscopy, surface analysis, x-ray diffraction, and nanofabrication facilities including two cleanrooms. Approximately 1,000 researchers from across our campus as well as other academic institutions, industry, and national laboratories use the facilities, logging more than 100,000 user hours annually. The lab is recognized as one of the premier mid-sized user facilities in the nation. For details, please visit us online at https://mrl.illinois.edu/facilities/ .

Responsibilities include:

• Prepare and deliver primary and advanced training on the various techniques and instrumentation available in the electron microscopy core, particularly in scanning electron microscopy and related techniques.
• Prepare and deliver primary and advanced training on the various techniques and instrumentation available in the MRL Battery Fabrication and Characterization Laboratory including glove boxes, slurry coaters, hot press roller, ultrasonic welder, etc., for production of coin cell or pouch cells.
• F ormulate, compile, and distribute suitable suggestions for documentation improvements for collective staff scientist review. Incorporate approved modifications into training documents and procedures. This includes the creation of video and multimedia tutorials.
• Actively participate in research using electron microscopy techniques in new materials, such as ceramics, metals, semiconductor multilayers and super lattices, polymer, and biological materials, etc., in addition to fabrication and characterization of novel energy storage and conversion materials including batteries, fuel cells and electrolyzers.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance tasks which vary daily, monthly, and annually for assigned laboratory instrumentation. Examples include daily checks to ensure instruments are running correctly; monthly proactive checks to ensure no hazards are present; annual maintenance service on vacuum pumps and supporting mechanical equipment.
• Identify hazards and/or potential failure modes by comparing equipment usage and performance to establish safety protocols while conducting user training or performing maintenance. If the equipment is not operating within tolerances or any engineering safety controls are malfunctioning, determine corrective actions to hardware, operating procedures, or user training in conjunction with the assigned staff scientist and implement the changes.
• Crosstrain in other facility techniques in order to act as backup for other staff members and increase knowledge and experience.
• Give oral presentations to large audiences, including recording training material for media outlets, and online, live video streaming.
• Perform facility-wide safety tasks as assigned.
• Conduct department or campus specified lab inspections for assigned operating areas and participate in reviews of non-assigned areas as requested.
• Assume additional responsibilities to promote the unit's mission as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in engineering, chemical, physical sciences, or related field.
• Two years of hands-on experience in the following areas:
  • operation of scanning electron microscopes, including detailed knowledge of main physical principles, concepts, and applications of electron microscopy.
  • training researchers in the use of scanning electron microscopes including data interpretation on related techniques.
  • operation of battery electrode and assembly equipment (mixer, slurry coated, crimper, pouch sealer, etc.), and processes development for optimized battery electrode slurry including rheology and composition and electrode densification (calendaring).;
  • training researchers in the use of equipment required for the fabrication of lithium-based battery materials.
  • troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and routine repair of scanning electron microscopes.
  • use of energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, cathodoluminescence imaging and spectrometry, and electron backscatter diffraction in a scanning electron microscope.
  • sample preparation techniques for electron microscopy including polishing, coating, milling, etc.
• Three years of instructional/training experience delivering technical information.
• Previous experience in creating/developing instructional, instrument operation and training material in electron microscopy and battery fabrication laboratories.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a multi-user academic research facility.
• Postdoctoral experience in engineering, chemical, physical sciences, or related field.
• Experience with operation and principles of other complementary analytical techniques such as x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical analysis (cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic intermittent titration, etc.).

Appointment Details

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. A typical salary range for this position is $68,000 to $85,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The individual hired into this position is expected to work onsite on a full-time basis. We are willing to support candidates who require work authorization sponsorship.

Application Procedures and Deadline Information

Applications must be received by December 5, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload the following as a single file: a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Summer Redman at sredman@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1027587
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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