Engineering Researcher II

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $68,500 - Midpoint: $89,100 (Salaried E11)

Department/Organization: 702104 - Alabama Materials Institute

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Job Summary: The Engineering Researcher II oversees engineering research projects and assumes responsibility for the day-to-day activity supporting project. Makes significant contributions to the planning and design of research and creative projects. Assists in short- and long-term planning and project goals. May assist with research and creative proposals and dissemination of project findings.

Additional Department Summary: The Alabama Materials Institute (AMI) facilitates interdisciplinary materials research encompassing metallurgy, ceramics, polymers, bio-inspired materials, and composites. Teams of researchers, faculty, and students work collaboratively to identify and advance new materials, understand their fundamental properties, and develop novel processes for synthesis, fabrication, and manufacturing using advanced experimental and computational approaches. This position will perform chemical and structural characterization of materials using a a variety of electron, ion, X-ray, and related methods to provide understanding of materials characteristics in support of the institute's research, teaching, and service mission. Develop new research directions from these techniques and disseminate outcomes through peer-review scholarship. Assist in specialized training to users in the institute on such instrumentation. Oversight and execution of external work requests through engagement with internal and external partners. Promotion of capabilities of the institute for internal and external engagement. Lead as well as support proposal and report development and submissions. Assist in materials fabrication through such methods as powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, and related processes.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of engineering or closely related research experience; OR master's degree and two (2) years of engineering or closely related research experience; OR doctoral degree and some engineering or closely related research experience. Post-Baccalaureate degree is highly preferred (Master’s degree or higher).

Skills and Knowledge: Experience in analytical microscopy techniques. Engagement and management of technical programs deliverables.

Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. or other terminal degree in Materials Science and Engineering or closely physical science related field.

Strong analytical skills are beneficial, including but not limited to scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, focus ion beam, atom probe tomography, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Track-record of technical engagement with academia, small and large industries in need for analytical characterization services.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.