Research Professional

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

7d • $80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The PME is seeking a Research Professional to support the day-to-day operational and administrative needs of a large and complex research group that is heavily involved in the Mengs lab effort. The ideal candidate will closely partner with Professor Shirley Meng to plan, oversee, and execute all aspects of the research operation, from basic calendaring and inventory management to grant proposal preparation, manuscript editing, and report preparation. The candidate should have experience in planning, executing, facilitating, and promoting advanced technical/scientific research projects on energy storage and conversion technologies, especially in: 1) developing advanced analytical techniques for materials diagnosis; 2) synthesis of advanced materials with micro/nano size through solid-state, co-precipitation, and hydro-thermal methods; and 3) knowledge of the complexities of the interaction among the anode, cathode, and electrolyte, such as qualitative and quantitative lithium inventory study. The Research Professional will participate directly through various research activities and support the PI with the mentorship of researchers who will work on different projects.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Resume/CV, including a list of publications (required)
• Research Statement describing current and future research interests (required).

Nice To Haves

• Doctoral degree in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related area.
• A minimum of 2 years of significant work experience; postdoc experience.
• Background with energy storage and conversion technologies.
• Extensive experience in different anode materials, including Li metal, Si, and Graphite.
• Expertise in handling batteries with different formats and specifications, including high-energy-density pouch, prismatic, and cylindrical cells.
• Advanced characterization techniques, such as cryogenic-related electron microscope, X-ray related characterization, and analytical chromatography.
• Initiating and guiding research projects with students and other researchers.
• Background working within academic and laboratory environments.
• Supervisory experience.
• Chemical analytical skills such as Titration, Gas Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, ICP, etc.
• Fabrication capabilities for coin cell, pouch cell, and load cell with pressure and temperature control.
• In-depth electrochemistry skills, including CV, EIS, and other quantitative electrochemical methods.
• X-ray power diffraction experimental design and quantitative data analysis.
• Strong computer skills, including calendaring, document management, Dropbox, Box, etc., word processing, database management, and spreadsheet skills.
• Knowledge of statistical/analytical software.
• Familiarity with grant writing/submission and manuscript drafting, editing and review.
• Demonstrated administrative, problem-solving, organization, and coordination skills.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills and handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Prioritize urgent tasks while ensuring established deadlines are met.
• Flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.
• Handle stressful, sensitive, and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Knowledge and experience of related research techniques or methods.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with local and federal regulations, guidelines, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates and promotes advanced technical/scientific research projects, including data analysis.
• Recognizes the need for innovation and develops or incorporates advances in research concepts to help disseminate the results of research projects.
• Provides day-to-day operational oversight in support of the same.
• Assists in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports.
• May help prepare presentations for scientific meetings and will provide help with the preparation of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
• Works closely with faculty to write documentation and disseminate computational methods and resources that support or advance their research.
• Maintains group scientific operations, including activities of students, postdoctoral researchers, and research staff.
• Collaborates and coordinates with other researchers in the group and joint research efforts.
• Coordinates with other personnel in various functional areas, such as Human Resources, University Research Administration, ANL, etc., both internally and externally to ensure smooth operations across all aspects of the operation.
• Creates and presents tutorials, hands-on workshops, and documentation to educate the research community, as per the direction of the faculty lead.
• Accurately and in a timely manner, maintains appointments, calendars, inventories, websites, grant-related documentation, financial projections (on grant, gift, and other funding sources), reports, and other information.
• Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques.
• Manage complex data sets for research.
• Trains new laboratory personnel.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees