Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago
Staff Scientist, Materials Preparation and Measurement Laboratory
Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Staff Scientist, Materials Preparation and Measurement Laboratory
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. 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.
Use subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Work independently to assist with project design.
Solve 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.
Perform other related work as needed.
Qualifications
Education: Minimum requirement is a college or university degree in a related field. A Master’s degree with significant relevant academic or industrial experience is preferred.
Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Preferred experience includes: field emission SEMs for low‑kV imaging and soft materials; advanced scanning electron microscopy instrumentation, techniques, and applications; Energy‑dispersive X‑ray Spectroscopy (EDS / EDX) and analysis; electron microscopy sample preparation techniques and equipment; managing shared core instrumentation; science education programs; and other relevant shared core instrumentation.
Certification: (None listed; no mandatory certifications required.)
Compensation & Benefits Base pay $75,000.00 / yr – $90,000.00 / yr. Payroll is based on skills and experience. Calendar year salary, 37.5 weekly hours. Exempt FLSA status. Benefits eligible; comprehensive health, retirement, and paid time‑off programs.
EEO 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, 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. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773‑702‑5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.
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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.
Use subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Work independently to assist with project design.
Solve 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.
Perform other related work as needed.
Qualifications
Education: Minimum requirement is a college or university degree in a related field. A Master’s degree with significant relevant academic or industrial experience is preferred.
Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Preferred experience includes: field emission SEMs for low‑kV imaging and soft materials; advanced scanning electron microscopy instrumentation, techniques, and applications; Energy‑dispersive X‑ray Spectroscopy (EDS / EDX) and analysis; electron microscopy sample preparation techniques and equipment; managing shared core instrumentation; science education programs; and other relevant shared core instrumentation.
Certification: (None listed; no mandatory certifications required.)
Compensation & Benefits Base pay $75,000.00 / yr – $90,000.00 / yr. Payroll is based on skills and experience. Calendar year salary, 37.5 weekly hours. Exempt FLSA status. Benefits eligible; comprehensive health, retirement, and paid time‑off programs.
EEO 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, 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. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773‑702‑5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.
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