Research Scientist II

Job Description

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The Department of Materials Science and Nano Engineering is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join our world-class experimental laboratory housed in the Ralph S. O'Connor Building for Engineering and Science at Rice University. The lab occupies over 6,000 sq. ft. of dedicated space, with fully equipped synthesis, characterization, and fabrication facilities, maintained and operated by our research team.

In this role, you will pursue cutting-edge research aimed at understanding and controlling complex oxide and nitride thin films—with a focus on dielectric, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, ferroelectric, magnetic, and multiferroic materials. Projects span the spectrum from fundamental materials science and physics to applied physics, device fabrication, and testing. You will have the opportunity to engage across these levels, contributing to both foundational knowledge and real‑world applications.

Our research is backed by a broad portfolio of federal agencies, foundations, and industry partners. Under the leadership of an expert Principal Investigator (PI), Lane Martin, the group typically includes 15‑17 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. In addition, Rice University maintains a vibrant, expanding advanced materials community and provides access to extensive shared facilities through the Shared Equipment Authority.

We aim for the lab to become a world‑leading center in functional materials research—providing the opportunity for the Research Scientist to lead independent projects, pursue their own funding, and build a national or international profile in the field.

• Conducting complex independent experimental research;
• Managing multiple research projects and associated budgets;
• Ensuring a safe, well‑organized, and efficient lab environment;
• The role is expected to include approximately 60‑70% research activity and 30‑40% laboratory management duties.

The ideal candidate is a skilled experimental materials scientist with strong expertise in thin‑film synthesis, characterization, and processing of complex oxide and/or nitride materials. They are highly organized, capable of independently managing multiple research projects and laboratory operations, and eager to contribute to and grow within a world‑class research environment.

On‑campus position: This position is exclusively on‑site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at Rice University. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Salary: $100,000-$106,000.
Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. This position is a one‑year 模term‑limited position.

• Doctoral degree
• 3+ years of postdoctoral experience文字

• High proficiency and comprehensive knowledge of information management, knowledge management, and publication management
• Possess a logical and independent mindset
• Excellent interpersonal skills such as patience, determination, flexibility, and decisiveness
• Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication, analytical, and research skills
• Excellent scientific and numerical skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work in a team environment, participate actively, collaborate, and motivate others in the lab

• Synthesis of complex oxide/nitride/related thin films (via PLD, MBE, sputtering, etc.)
• Structural characterization of thin‑film materials, including laboratory and/or synchrotron‑based X‑ray scattering
• Scanning‑probe microscopy (including AFM, PFM, KPFM, and others)
• Dielectric/piezoelectric/pyroelectric/ferroelectric/magnetic/multiferroic device fabrication and property measurement in thin‑film geometries
• Synchro ▼‑based studies of complex oxides, including soft‑ and hard‑X‑ray spectromicroscopy
• Experience in cleanroom/nanofabrication‑based processes producing device structures
• Experience with Lab View and basic programming knowledge, as well as various electronics…