The State of South Dakota is expanding its research capacity of materials for electrochemical energy storage and the Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering Department at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a Research Associate II to aid in this endeavor. The individual selected for this position will be part of the recently established South Dakota Governor Research Center (SD GRC) for Electrochemical Storage Technology funded by South Dakota Research and Commercialization Council (RCC) through South Dakota Board of Regents. The Research Associate II will add expertise in fabrication, characterization, and application of materials for energy storage devices and application of energy storage devices in agriculture areas. This position will work closely with the core team of the GRC Electrochemical Energy Storage center and will have access to facilities including state-of-the-art equipment such as a TEM (JEM 2100), nanofabrication/cleanroom facility, electrochemical analyzers, batteries fabrication and evaluation systems, Surface analyzer (ASAP 2020 and ChemSorption). This 12-month, full-time, benefit-eligible grant funded position is located in Brookings, South Dakota, and is contingent on continued grant funding.

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering strives to impact the future of agriculture through engineering, precision, and technology. The department focuses on identifying and improving the world's food production systems and available natural resources for an enhanced agricultural future.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

In collaboration with SDSU PIs, write proposals to obtain external funds and develop independent research programs with PIs of the SD GRC electrochemical energy storage projects. Assist PIs with the SDSU write up of annual research progress reports, as well as lead regular laboratory activities, including but not limited to writing standard operation protocols of experiments, maintaining inventory of chemicals, supplies and instruments, as well as organizing daily collaborative meetings of the laboratory. Mentor both graduate and undergraduate students. Introduce, advance, and implement innovative electrochemical energy storage materials preparation, characterization, and other significant factors in solid phase electrochemical batteries research areas. Focus on trans-disciplinary collaborations within the GRC Electrochemical Energy Storage center and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) to drive ideas from basic concepts to engineering practice for long-term sustainable research.

SALARY RANGE:

The base salary for this position is $56,800. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering or related field by application date;
• At least three years of experience in research laboratories;
• A background in materials preparation, characterization, and a knowledge of electrochemical energy storage technology;
• A valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire;
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Strong enthusiasm to explore new engineering problems and their scientific solutions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with electrochemical analyzers, CVD, batteries fabrication and evaluation, as well as electrode materials characterization, AI powered data analysis and machine learning;
• Familiarity with electrochemical energy storage materials designation/fabrication/integration, knowledge of solid phase batteries device designation, and fabrication;
• Strong records of scholarship supported by publications and proven capacity or clear potential to write annual project reports and competitive research proposals independently; and
• Experience working with various groups of student populations and first-generation students.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by 10/19/2023.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Xufei Yang, Assistant Professor, SDSU Extension Environmental Quality Engineer, Raven Precision Agriculture Center, 215, Ag & Biosystems Engineering-Box 2100, University Station, Brookings, SD 57007Xufei.Yang@sdstate.edu, 605-688-5662

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $56,800.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person