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Careers at Drexel

About Drexel University

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a world‐class, comprehensive, R1 research institution and a global leader in experiential education. For more than 100 years, our renowned Cooperative Education (co-op) program has enabled students to gain professional work experience before they graduate, setting them apart from their peers.

Committed to becoming the nation’s most civically engaged university, Drexel supports engagement along three dimensions: research and academic programs that directly benefit communities, business practices that support equitable local and regional economic development, and public service by students, faculty, and staff. Our engagement is long‐term, multigenerational, and fundamental to the University’s mission, heritage, and future.

At Drexel, we are devoted to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes healthy lifestyles and is based on integrity, trust, and respect. We center equity, inclusion and belonging, and incorporate an anti‐racism approach to our strategic plan, organizational systems, policies and structures.

Drexel offers its highly engaged faculty and professional staff a comprehensive and world‐class benefits package that includes generous vacation and paid time off as applicable (including civic engagement days), up to an 11% 403(b) Retirement Plan match with immediate vesting, and remote and flexible work options for many roles. Our exceptional medical plans include domestic partner and fertility assistance and our award‐winning A Healthier U wellness program. In addition, faculty and professional staff at Drexel enjoy free tuition for themselves and their dependents for Drexel degree programs, certification, and non‐certification programs. And as part of the tuition offering to employees, Drexel participates in a tuition exchange program for dependents with other higher education institutions. These are just a sample of our extensive benefit offerings. Please see this Benefits Brochure for more information.

Suspension of Drexel University's Contribution into 403(b) Retirement Plan

As communicated on Oct. 10, Drexel University is suspending its contributions to employee retirement plans for calendar year 2025 as part of its multi-year plan to build financial resilience. Drexel is continuing to monitor the situation and will share updates as they become available for calendar year 2026.

Research Instrumentation Specialist

Apply now Job no: 505170
Work type: Full-Time
Location: University City - Philadelphia, PA
Categories: Drexel University, Office of Research & Innovation

Job Summary

The Research Instrumentation Specialist is responsible for management of the scanning electron microscopes (2 SEMs and a FIBSEM), X-ray microscope (XRM), sample preparation and general lab maintenance in the Materials Characterization Core (MCC) at Drexel University.

The MCC is a centrally managed shared-instrumentation facility that provides Drexel University and external users access to advanced materials characterization instrumentation, training and expertise. The facility is administered through the University’s Office of Research & Innovation and has been providing access to shared research instrumentation for over 17 years. The Research Instrumentation Specialist reports to the facility’s full-time Director of Operations.

Essential Functions

  • Deliver outstanding service to MCC users
    • Provide comprehensive training for users on MCC SEMs, FIBSEM, XRM and sample preparation equipment so that the user can independently operate the instrument Applicant should be able to modify the training to cater to the experience level of the trainee, including persons with no prior knowledge of the instruments 
    • Assist trained users to optimize the instrument and samples for their desired experiment 
    • Provide expert consultation on experimental design and applications 
  • Coordinate the maintenance of the instruments and perform standard upkeep 
  • Manage users and track & confirm usage of instruments using iLab software 
  • Develop multimedia training materials for users 
  • Available to users outside of normal business hours to address questions or instrument malfunction 
  • Advise Director of Operations and others on instrument acquisitions and upgrades 
  • Other duties as assigned 

Required Qualifications

  • Post-graduate degree (MS or PhD) in relevant engineering or science discipline.
  • Experience as user or employ of shared instrument facility.
  • Clear and demonstratable knowledge of SEM, FIBSEM, and/or XRM techniques and related instrumentation.
  • Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative.
  • Dependable and punctual.
  • Adaptable to dynamic job requirements and environment of a research lab.
  • Excellent in-person and written communications skills.
  • Ability to interact with students, faculty and University administrative staff.

Preferred Qualifications

  • PhD in a relevant area of study
  • Work experience in university research setting
  • Demonstrated research experience in a relevant area of study
  • Teaching experience

Physical Demands

  • Typically sitting at a desk/table
  • Typically standing, walking
  • Typically bending, crouching, stooping
  • Lifting demands > 50lbs
  • Lifting demands ≤ 50lbs

Location

  • University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade L. Compensation for this grade ranges from $62,630.00 - $93,950.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.

Advertised: Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Eastern Daylight Time

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Drexel University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that welcomes individuals from diverse and neurodiverse backgrounds and perspectives, and believes that an inclusive and respectful environment enriches the University community and the educational and employment experience of its members. The University prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, status as a veteran or special disabled veteran, gender identity or expression, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and any other prohibited characteristic. Please visit our Policies page to view all University policies related to Human Resources and News and Announcements for workplace postings.

Background investigations are required for all new hires as a condition of employment, after the job offer is made.

Drexel University, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) publishes the Drexel University Security & Fire Safety Annual Report for current and prospective students and employees. This report contains important safety information and crime statistics for the previous three years. These statistics pertain to reported crimes that have occurred on campus, in certain non-campus buildings or properties that are owned or controlled by Drexel University, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

Printed copies of this report are also available by calling the Public Safety Administrative Office, 215.895.1550.

Additional information about the services provided by the Drexel University Department of Public Safety can be obtained by visiting their website.

Position Type

Work type

Locations

Philadelphia

Categories

Division / College
Organization