Research Specialist

Arizona State University•Tempe, AZ

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Specialist provides experimental and instrumental support to users of the Eyring Materials Center, with expertise in assigned processing and synthesis equipment, analytical techniques, and, when applicable, data analysis and interpretation. The role maintains or coordinates maintenance of assigned equipment and techniques. Materials supported include semiconductors, ceramics, glasses, alloys, geological samples, and a broad range of inorganic, organic, and hybrid materials. The position independently performs research-related tasks and follows laboratory safety standards. The specialist is the primary contact for high-temperature synthesis and processing requests, operates and supervises furnace work under appropriate vacuum or atmospheric conditions, and supports synthesis and handling of air-sensitive materials. The role also supports characterization, including training and user support for a high-resolution X-ray diffractometer, and helps manage facility operations, instrument maintenance, user requests, records, supplies, and vendor interactions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and three years of experience appropriate to the assignment or field, or an equivalent combination of experience and/or training.
Desired qualification: bachelor's degree in an appropriate field and four years of related research experience, or a master's degree in an appropriate field and two years of related research experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
General hands-on experience with chemical synthesis and high-temperature processing.
Hands-on experience with X-ray diffraction, TG-DSC, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
Hands-on experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing instrumentation.
Knowledge of high-temperature processing and thermal analysis principles and techniques, including thermocouples, controllers, vacuum pumps, pressure gauges, and residual gas analyzers.
Knowledge of chemical synthesis, including designing multistep routes from scientific literature, running controlled reactions, and optimizing yields, safety, and potential pilot-scale operations.
Knowledge of proper and safe handling, use, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste.
Knowledge of standards and best practices for storing and using compressed oxidizing, flammable, and reactive gases.
Verbal and written communication skills.
Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, and the ability to plan, implement, and supervise laboratory activities.
Accountability, dependability, and ownership of assigned responsibilities.
Working knowledge of analytical capabilities, including X-ray diffraction, TG-DSC, FTIR, UV-Vis, spectroscopy techniques, vacuum practice, and thermal analysis.
Commitment to continuous learning and sharing knowledge and skills with colleagues.
In-depth understanding of relationships among materials synthesis, structure, processing, and properties.
Experience managing and tracking multiple projects and prioritizing tasks.
Knowledge of operating principles underlying characterization techniques relevant to the discipline.
Knowledge of modern research methods, data collection, and analysis.
Experience analyzing and evaluating data and preparing technical reports.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary contact for high-temperature synthesis and processing requests within the Eyring Materials Center.
Operate and supervise synthesis and processing using graphite-, tungsten-, molybdenum disilicide-, silicon carbide-, and Kanthal-element furnaces under appropriate vacuum, reducing, oxidizing, or inert conditions.
Use and maintain glass high-vacuum manifolds and Schlenk lines for synthesis, processing, and transfer of air-sensitive materials, including sealing ampoules with oxyhydrogen and oxyacetylene torches.
Plan, execute, and optimize chemical reactions under varied conditions, including high temperatures, high pressures, and reactive atmospheres, to create compounds or scale up material production.
Assess risks to safety and property, collaborate with local safety experts, and implement appropriate engineering and process safeguards.
Identify suitable characterization methods for synthetic products and understand which methods are available in the ASU research ecosystem.
Provide training, service, and user support for the High-Resolution X-ray diffractometer.
Assist with analytical techniques as needed, including X-ray diffraction, TG-DSC, FTIR, Raman, and UV-Vis.
Manage user requests, instrument scheduling, and billable work using Agilent iLab.
Implement or coordinate maintenance for instrumentation in assigned EMC laboratories.
Review product specifications and recommend new or replacement instrument parts.
Negotiate prices, terms, and conditions with suppliers.
Communicate progress and challenges to team members and management.
Maintain accurate research records and standard laboratory procedures, and manage inventories of chemical reagents and laboratory supplies.