RESEARCH AST SCTST

Research Assistant Scientist

Ph. D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field with demonstrated expertise in polymer characterization.

This position is in the Polymer Chemistry Characterization Laboratory (PCCL), a designated auxiliary unit and core facility, under the supervision of the Department Chair.

Highly motivated individuals are sought to provide scientific, operational, and strategic leadership of the PCCL. The successful candidate will manage a varied suite of polymer characterization instruments, provide user training and technical support, oversee financial and operational functions, and guide strategic development of the facility. Applicants should have a strong technical background and a collaborative mindset and be prepared to engage with a wide range of users across departments, colleges, and institutions.

It is expected that the successful candidate will:

• Work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research environment
• Train and support students, postdocs, and faculty on advanced polymer characterization instrumentation
• Ensure instrument uptime, perform troubleshooting and maintenance, and coordinate repairs
• Manage billing, service contracts, budgeting, and cost-recovery strategies
• Guide the development of new capabilities, including those funded by faculty startup packages
• Oversee the PCCL’s student-led instrument management program, including coordination of over 70 student assignments across primary, secondary, and tertiary roles

The PCCL currently serves over 100 internal users from 16 Chemistry research groups and 10 departments across 3 UF colleges, as well as external users from companies, universities, and national labs. The facility plays a key role in workforce development and technical training for graduate students pursuing careers in industry.

The Department of Chemistry at UF ranks among the top five in Ph.D. production nationally and maintains a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and education. The department includes 46 tenure-track faculty, over 250 graduate students, and 80 postdocs and scientific staff. The PCCL represents a critical part of our research infrastructure and is expected to grow in impact, particularly with the addition of new polymer-focused faculty members.

Potential applicants are encouraged to learn more about the facility at: https://pccl.chem.ufl.edu or by emailing scientistsearch@chem.ufl.edu.

The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the compensation includes a full benefits package.

Ph. D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field with demonstrated expertise in polymer characterization.

• Experience operating and maintaining polymer characterization instrumentation (e.g., SEC-MALS, rheometry, DSC, TGA)
• Experience training students and other researchers on scientific instrumentation
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Familiarity with academic financial operations (cost recovery, auxiliary budgets, etc.).
• Interest in long-term core facility development and external engagement.

For full consideration, applications must be submitted online. Click on at the top of this posting.

A complete application includes (1) a letter of application summarizing the applicant's qualifications, interests, and suitability for the position, (2) a complete curriculum vitae, (3) A brief summary of instrumentation experience and any facility management roles, (4) the names and email addresses of three references must be provided. An email will be sent to your references, requesting them to upload their confidential letter to the submission packet.

Applications will be reviewed beginning September 30, 2025, and the position will remain open until filled. Only complete applications will be reviewed at this time. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the committee and/or hiring authority.

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.

The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.

Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law. If accommodation due to disability is needed in order to apply for this position, please call (352) 392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).