Materials Characterization Specialist
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Job no: 531865
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: ICTAS
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific
The Virginia Tech Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science is seeking qualified applicants to fill the position of Materials Characterization Specialist. The position is housed in Materials Characterization Laboratory (MCL), which is a university-wide user facility dedicated to materials characterization, and reports to the MCL’s Core Facility Research Manager. The equipment housed in the MCL is available for education and scientific experiments in undergraduate, graduate, and research programs.
The specialist participates in the day-to-day operations of the MCL facility in support of research in all materials-related fields. As a core part of these responsibilities, the position is responsible for operations, maintenance and training related to instruments and equipment housed in the MCL. In addition, the position diagnoses and resolves equipment and instrument problems and calibrates equipment while also performing demonstrations and training for students and faculty on the proper operation of equipment in the MCL. Implementing and monitoring safety procedures and SOPs, quality control procedures and consistency across experiments is also a large part of the position’s responsibilities. The position aids students, post-doctoral researchers, faculty, and external collaborators in the execution of specific jobs for materials research projects and may design and fabricate equipment needed for materials characterization. The successful candidate will have a strong attention to detail as well as time management and organization skills.
Depending on the education and experience of the successful candidate, an offer of appointment may be made at either the rank of Research Associate, Senior Research Associate, or Research Scientist. Individuals with a PhD hired at the rank of Research Scientist are encouraged to conceptualize and advance a research agenda aligned with MCL and ICTAS strategic priorities. Research Scientists may operate as a PI/Co-PI on external grant applications and produce scholarly works suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals or presentation at national/international meetings.
• An advanced degree with significant related professional experience (required for the rank of Research Associate). A PhD in a related discipline (required for the rank of Senior Research Associate or Research Scientist)
• Demonstrated laboratory experience in a core facility setup.
• Broad experience in materials characterization tools and techniques including the ability to troubleshoot and maintain complex instruments.
• Experience handling chemicals such as solvents, liquid nitrogen, acids and bases.
• Ability to quickly master new laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Ability to work with diverse teams of researchers.
• PhD in Materials sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or in a related discipline.
• Experience with Imaging techniques (CT scanner, Optical Microscopy, AFM) and Chromatographic techniques (APC, HPLC etc.)
• Experience with polymer characterization instruments such as DSC, TGA, DMA, TMA, Instron, XRD.
• Experience in experimental design.
Commensurate with experience, starting at $65,000
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
We are unable to sponsor work visas for this position.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Erin Poff at emcclusk@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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