Scientist

Advertising Summary: VCU is seeking an innovative and highly skilled Scientist to serve as a key technical and scientific resource supporting a diverse portfolio of materials science research and applications. This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of technology, partnering with faculty, students, and external clients to advance discovery and innovation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative scientist who thrives in a dynamic research environment and is motivated to make a meaningful impact at a leading urban research university.

Unit: VP Research MBU

Department: VPRI Core Facilities

Department Summary: At the VCU Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, our mission is to foster transformative research, discovery, and innovation at Virginia Commonwealth University through excellence in service.

We partner with faculty in all schools and departments as they seek funding, plan studies, establish collaborations, calculate budgets, submit grant applications, negotiate industry contracts, and secure patents and licensing agreements.

Our commitment to supporting and elevating the research community at VCU has resulted in record levels of sponsored research and has placed VCU among the nation’s premier public research universities.

Through our passion for discovery and willingness to take on challenges, we continue to advance the work that matters most and position the university as a national leader in research, innovation, creativity, and scholarship.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) invites applications for a Senior Scientist and, depending on availability of funds, for a Scientist. Applicants must indicate whether they intend to be considered for one position or for both, and all applicants will be interviewed in the same pool. The Scientist(s) will work in the Nanomaterials Core Characterization Facility (NCC), a VCU centrally supported core laboratory that contains a wide variety of advanced material characterization instrumentation, a list of which can be found at https://nano.vcu.edu/ .

For both positions, responsibilities of the position include:

• Provide focused, technical expertise and act as a key scientific resource for a broad array of material science applications. This encompasses equipment operation and maintenance, troubleshooting, user supervision and training.
• Act as a subject matter expert for multiple projects or programs, interact with clients to provide technical project updates, review and evaluate data
• Participate in the evaluation and implementation of new technologies ensuring the laboratory stays current in technologies required
• Engage in routine NCC operations such as scheduling, billing, resource management, technical and compliance / laboratory safety related issues.
• Interfaces with clients on scientific issues, study design and project technical requirements.
• As directed by the Faculty Director, will plan, direct and implement improvements in systems, processes and procedures to increase efficiency, productivity, quality and technical expertise in the laboratory
• Will assist Faculty Director in strategic planning, business development and new technology implementation.

The Sr. Scientist will also act as the facility manager and will report to the Faculty Director.

Salary range:

For the Scientist, the salary range is $73,700 to $110,000.

For the Sr. Scientist, the salary range is $81,500 to $122,200.

Salaries will be commensurate with education, experience, and demonstrated skills in the minimally required and preferred areas.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

Only applicants who do not require current or future sponsorship for employment will be considered

Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

For the Scientist, minimum qualifications include an MS or a PhD in Physics, Chemistry or closely related discipline. In-depth knowledge of at least one, and working knowledge of another one, of the following techniques is required: TEM, SEM, AFM, XPS, LSM, VSM.

For the Sr. Scientist, qualifications include a PhD in Physics, Chemistry or closely related discipline and a minimum of 5 years of experience working in an academic instrumentation facility. In-depth knowledge of at least two of the following techniques is a minimum requirement: Electron microscopy (both SEM and TEM), X-ray diffractometry and LSM. Additional experience or knowledge of AFM, XPS, and VSM are preferred requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD in these areas is a preferred qualification

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 93324 - Open