Research Scientist:Specialized in Battery/Electroactive Materials

Pittsburg State University•Pittsburg, KS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Pittsburg State University is accepting applications for a Research Scientist, Specialized in Battery/Electroactive Materials in the department of Research and Innovation that is responsible for leading and contributing to projects focused on the design, synthesis, characterization, and device fabrication of advanced materials optimized for energy storage and related applications. This role involves hands-on experimental research, materials testing, data analysis, technical documentation, and collaboration on grant proposals. The position may also include teaching undergraduate or graduate courses as needed.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline
2 years of experience in nanomaterials synthesis, battery fabrication (coin, pouch, and cylindrical cells), characterization, analysis, and technical reporting
10+ peer-reviewed publications in energy or materials science
Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in Materials Science or a related field. This degree requirement ensures candidates possess the advanced theoretical knowledge, highly specialized methodologies, and critical problem-solving skills fundamental to this work. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential inherent in a formal degree program.

Nice To Haves

1 year of experience teaching at the undergraduate (BS) and graduate (MS) levels
1 year of experience overseeing students, research assistants, or junior scientists
1 year of experience in grant writing, proposal development, and project management

Responsibilities

Leads and conducts advanced research on the synthesis, characterization, and optimization of nanomaterials for energy storage and related applications
Leads the scientific advancement in device fabrication (coin, cylindrical, and pouch cells)
Executes experiments individually and as a team, including sample preparation, materials testing, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, followed by preparation of detailed technical reports
Maintains, calibrates, and troubleshoots laboratory instruments; develops and implements standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure research consistency and safety
Mentors and supervises students and research assistants; reviews experimental data, assesses progress, and provides technical guidance
Prepares manuscripts, presentations, and reports for internal teams, external collaborators, conferences, and peer-reviewed journals
Collaborates with division leadership to coordinate research activities and oversees technical staff
Teaches one or two classes per year as needed
Identifies, develops, and manages externally funded research projects with federal, state, and industry partners aligned with the division’s strategic goals
Drafts competitive research proposals, technical reports, patents, and publications to support funding and commercialization initiatives
Engages with industrial and academic partners to advance technology transfer, licensing, and commercialization efforts
Conducts literature reviews to identify emerging trends, fundable topics, and high-impact research opportunities in nanomaterials, energy storage, and materials science
Represents Research and Innovation at conferences, trade shows, and recruitment events; networks with collaborators and participates in institutional committees
Maintains active communication with scientific communities and establishes relationships with new industrial and academic partners
Performs additional responsibilities as delegated to support the mission and strategic goals of the division and university