Assistant Research Scientist
About The Position
The University of Iowa Materials Analysis, Testing, and Fabrication (MATFab) Facility, an Office of the Vice President for Research core resource, provides instrumentation and services to research investigators. The Assistant Research Scientist supports materials characterization services and scientific user facility operations, working with a broad suite of instrumentation and techniques and supporting projects across scientific disciplines. Areas of focus include X-ray diffraction, micro-computed tomography, electron microscopy, thin-film characterization, nanopatterned surface analysis, and related analytical methods. The role conducts materials characterization experiments, supports data collection and analysis, maintains and troubleshoots instrumentation, trains facility users, develops experimental methodologies and user resources, and contributes to the operation and growth of a multidisciplinary research facility. The position is on-site.
Requirements
- A Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field; the awarded degree is required and equivalent experience is not accepted.
- At least 1 year of experience in research or facility work involving materials characterization.
- A publication record demonstrating the required research experience.
- Experience maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting instrumentation.
- Experience with software for relevant data analysis.
- Demonstrated attention to detail, accuracy, and strong organizational skills.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship management skills.
Nice To Haves
- Experience collecting and analyzing both single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction data.
- Experience with micro-computed tomography, X-ray fluorescence, and electron microscopy.
- Experience characterizing thin films and nanopatterned surfaces.
- Experience programming for scientific applications.
- Experience with other analytical instrumentation.
- Experience in a shared instrumentation or user facility environment.
Responsibilities
- Conduct materials characterization experiments.
- Support data collection and analysis.
- Maintain, repair, and troubleshoot instrumentation.
- Train facility users.
- Develop experimental methodologies and user resources.
- Contribute to the successful operation and growth of a multidisciplinary research facility.
Benefits
- Exceptional health coverage.
- University-paid life insurance.
- Robust retirement plans.
- Generous leave policies.
- 24/7 support services and well-being resources.
- Access to UI Health Care specialists.
- Advanced training and leadership development.
- Tuition assistance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
