Research Scientist in Materials Science and Engineering

University of Virginia

About The Position

The Center for Electrochemical Science and Engineering in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia seeks a Research Scientist (RS) to facilitate and advance sponsored research programs in two or three key topic areas, as well as other high‑priority scientific research areas. Duties include: Design, synthesize and heat treat multi-principal element alloys. Utilize Python, CALPHAD, and ML methods for high-throughput analysis. Design alloys, synthesize and verify structure and composition by multiple methods. Conduct ML studies on down-selected alloys that meet phase stability criteria to identify compositions with the desired properties, including but not limited to corrosion. Work with materials experts to obtain corrosion electrochemical properties by conducting LSV, EIS, Passivation, and XPS. Partner and collaborate with materials experts to conduct CSRO and TTO-C analysis on solid solution alloys using a variety of tools. Perform and analyze high-fidelity corrosion studies on select alloys in molten salts or other harsh environments. Prior experience with salt preparation and MS reference electrodes is required, as well as with in-situ and post-test material analysis methods, such as SEM and XRD. Investigate the protection of high-value, lightweight, high-strength substrates susceptible to local corrosion such as IGSCC, and other forms of localized corrosion that degrade the substrate. Investigate the protection afforded by mitigation strategies over long exposure times using ALT. Investigate corrosion mitigation strategies targeted at complex, high-strength, low-weight alloys, such as Al-Mg microstructure. The successful candidate will work with metal powders, polymer coatings, and chemical inhibitors incorporated in a polymer matrix. The powders will contain various metallic elements and/or alloy pigments. Substate materials include Al-Mg and Al-Mg-Zn alloys. See the recommended experimental and modeling skills shown below. The ideal candidate will use software such as Medusa, CALPHAD, and OLI or similar. Investigate hydrogen interactions in high-strength materials introduced electrochemically. Conduct experiments to assess diffusible, trapped, and total hydrogen content and effective and perfect lattice diffusion coefficients. Also, conduct diagnostic experiments to determine whether permeation is surface- or bulk-controlled. Extend controlled potential and current experiments to studies of protective coatings that may accelerate or inhibit hydrogen production, d absorption. Include HER studies and permeation by the D-S method. The ideal candidate will have the ability to analyze and interpret data in metallurgy, corrosion, and corrosion electrochemistry, and to write papers and progress reports for sponsors. The candidate will demonstrate prior achievement through archival publications in these or related areas. The RS position will involve supervising and providing experimental research method training analysis to BS, MS, and PhD level materials science and engineering students working on the same or closely related projects as the RS. This research workforce will be capable of attaining research goals augmented by the supervision of the PI. The RS will be expected to conduct multiple projects concurrently and possess extensive technical skills and experience with various experimental electrochemical techniques, including AC and DC electrochemistry, such as cyclic polarization, LSV, such as EIS, SVET, SKP, SDC, and SECM. The candidate will also be familiar with characterization methods, such as SEM/EDS, XRD, EBSD, XPS, ICP-OES, optical profilometry, and Raman. The RS will write proposals to attract sponsored research and, when appropriate, to support the acquisition of experimental equipment. The RS will provide both oral and written progress reports to sponsors and will play a key role in mentoring graduate students and supervising undergraduate researchers.

Requirements

Requires a doctoral degree or a master’s degree with significant experience, in Materials Science and Engineering with a thesis dissertation emphasizing corrosion and metallurgy or closely related to these are required.
Prior experience with salt preparation and MS reference electrodes is required, as well as with in-situ and post-test material analysis methods, such as SEM and XRD.
Extensive technical skills and experience with various experimental electrochemical techniques, including AC and DC electrochemistry, such as cyclic polarization, LSV, such as EIS, SVET, SKP, SDC, and SECM.
Familiar with characterization methods, such as SEM/EDS, XRD, EBSD, XPS, ICP-OES, optical profilometry, and Raman.

Nice To Haves

A PhD is preferred.
Preferred candidates should have at least two years prior research experience as a postdoctoral researcher at a research university or evidence of success on three or more past projects.
They must also demonstrate good written and oral English language skills to interact with various sponsors, attention to detail, good record keeping, strong analytical skills, and previous experience mentoring junior researchers (undergraduate and graduate students).

Responsibilities

Design, synthesize and heat treat multi-principal element alloys.
Utilize Python, CALPHAD, and ML methods for high-throughput analysis.
Design alloys, synthesize and verify structure and composition by multiple methods.
Conduct ML studies on down-selected alloys that meet phase stability criteria to identify compositions with the desired properties, including but not limited to corrosion.
Work with materials experts to obtain corrosion electrochemical properties by conducting LSV, EIS, Passivation, and XPS.
Partner and collaborate with materials experts to conduct CSRO and TTO-C analysis on solid solution alloys using a variety of tools.
Perform and analyze high-fidelity corrosion studies on select alloys in molten salts or other harsh environments.
Investigate the protection of high-value, lightweight, high-strength substrates susceptible to local corrosion such as IGSCC, and other forms of localized corrosion that degrade the substrate.
Investigate the protection afforded by mitigation strategies over long exposure times using ALT.
Investigate corrosion mitigation strategies targeted at complex, high-strength, low-weight alloys, such as Al-Mg microstructure.
Investigate hydrogen interactions in high-strength materials introduced electrochemically.
Conduct experiments to assess diffusible, trapped, and total hydrogen content and effective and perfect lattice diffusion coefficients.
Conduct diagnostic experiments to determine whether permeation is surface- or bulk-controlled.
Extend controlled potential and current experiments to studies of protective coatings that may accelerate or inhibit hydrogen production, d absorption.
Include HER studies and permeation by the D-S method.
Analyze and interpret data in metallurgy, corrosion, and corrosion electrochemistry
Write papers and progress reports for sponsors.
Supervise and provide experimental research method training analysis to BS, MS, and PhD level materials science and engineering students working on the same or closely related projects as the RS.
Conduct multiple projects concurrently
Write proposals to attract sponsored research and, when appropriate, to support the acquisition of experimental equipment.
Provide both oral and written progress reports to sponsors
Play a key role in mentoring graduate students and supervising undergraduate researchers.