Research Associate, McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

113d • $80,000

About The Position

A Research Associate position is available in the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, supervised by Professor Lea Hildebrandt Ruiz. This position will include work on a variety of air quality measurement studies in the laboratory and in the field and will also include project management and mentorship opportunities and responsibilities. This is a grant-funded position with an expected end date of May 31, 2028. Continuation of the role is contingent upon ongoing grant funding. The position is PI-eligible, and as such the individual in this position will have the opportunity to apply for grant funding independently and/or in collaboration with Professor Hildebrandt Ruiz.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or closely related discipline.
• Proficiency in using advanced mass spectrometric instrumentation, including chemical ionization mass spectrometers or aerosol mass spectrometers.
• Proficiency in quantitative analyses utilizing mass spectrometric instrumentation.
• Proficiency in Igor Pro and mass spectrometric data analysis using this software.
• Ability to communicate research in writing and orally to broad audiences.
• Ability to obtain UT Austin driver status, which requires a Texas driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Mentoring experience.
• Fieldwork experience.
• Demonstrated experience in statistical modeling, data analysis, and scientific programming languages (Python, Matlab, or R).
• Familiar with geographical information systems like ArcGIS.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ambient measurement campaigns utilizing stationary and mobile measurement platforms, in collaboration with other team members and collaborators.
• Prepare scientific papers and reports; present scientific results to collaborators and sponsors, and at major conferences.
• Conduct laboratory chamber experiments in collaboration with other team members and collaborators.
• Propose, plan, schedule, coordinate, complete and report the detailed phases of parts of ongoing projects in the group.
• Mentor students, post-doctoral scholars, and other personnel on projects by training them, organizing and conducting regular meetings, and tracking progress throughout the duration of the project.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%).
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options.
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 7.75% employer matching funds.
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b).
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities.
• Tuition assistance.
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets.
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card.
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin Cap Metro buses with staff ID card.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree