Research Scientist - Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
University of Illinois

Research Scientist

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Job Summary

The research scientist will be responsible for supervising and managing both industrial and federal research projects, executing experiments, especially in support of chemical synthesis and polymer chemistry, assisting with grant application and manuscript writing, project reporting. The position will also assist with maintaining shared research laboratory spaces and equipment, and training graduate students/interns/residents in laboratory techniques required to complete their projects.

Duties & Responsibilities

Research: chemical design and synthesis, polymer design and synthesis, characterization, systems design and testing

Administrative duties: grant writing, grant reporting, sponsor site visits and project management

Training and supervision of graduate students, postdocs, and undergraduates, collaboration

Lab Management: assist PI with data and chemical management, lab safety

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering, or related experimental fields. 5 years of experience in the synthesis of organic and inorganic polymers. Experience with material characterization techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gelpermeation chromatography (GPC), gas chromatography (GC), static and dynamic light scattering (SLS and DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and reflectometry (XRR), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UV-Vis-NIR, IR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Spin coating, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in Polymer or macromolecular chemistry.
Minimum 4 years of Postdoctoral experience in the research organic and metalorganic materials for electrochemical applications.
Experience in designing and synthesizing novel organic redox materials for energy storage and electrochemical separations.
Experience in neutron scattering. Experience in managing a research lab, including purchase, installation and maintenance of analytical instruments. Experience in planning of lab construction or renovation projects.

Excellent interpersonal, teamwork skills, leadership, communication and teaching skills.
Commitment to diversity and inclusion with an awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural and linguistic differences.
Ability to work harmoniously with faculty, staff, and students from a wide variety of disciplines.
Broad knowledge of polymer and organometallic synthesis, characterization of these materials, and electrochemistry.
Strong ability to process and analyze research results.
Experience in scientific writing for research papers supported by publication record.
Experience in protection of intellectual properties generated from research results, supported by patent record.
Ability to perform multiple projects and tasks in parallel.

Experience in the Schlenk line technique and handling of compressed, flammable and toxic gases and experience in raising of research funding.
Ability to synthesize new redox materials.
Track record of developing novel electrochemical processes.
Expertise in continuous electrochemical processes, including redox-flow batteries, redox ED and electrochemical liquid-liquid extrication.
Deep understanding in structure-property relationships in polymers and supramolecular systems.
Expertise in characterization of polymers and colloids and glove box operations
Ability to install, commission and maintain large scientific instruments.
Experience in designing new lab space and renovation projects.

Appointment Information

This is a full-time position appointed on a 12 month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the deadline date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $70,000 to $75,000. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including equivalent years in rank, training, and field or discipline; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6pm (CST) on 1/13/2025. To apply for this position, please create a candidate profile at https://jobs.illinois.edu, use the Apply Now button on the posting and upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and names/contact information for three professional references. Please remember to include specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your application materials, including all relevant experiences.

In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact scs-hr@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

For assistance with resume creation and mock interviews, please follow this link for University of Illinois Human Resources workshops: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/1595?c=illinois

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1027361
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu