Research Assistant - Materials Science and Engineering

Job

Location:

Rolla

Full/Part Time:
Full-Time

We are seeking a motivated Post-Baccalaureate Research Associate to join our Advanced Ceramics & Ultra-High Temperature Materials Group. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research on ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs), with applications spanning hypersonic aerospace systems and next-generation nuclear reactors. This is an excellent opportunity for a recently graduated student to deepen their experimental skills and gain hands‑on research experience in a dynamic laboratory environment.

The research associate will contribute to two primary areas:

• Oxidation resistance, mechanical and thermal properties of ZrB2, ZrC, based ceramics.
• Investigation of W2B5 ceramics for nuclear fusion reactor applications.

• Synthesize and process UHTC powders (ZrB2, ZrC, ZrB2-SiC, W2B5) using established powder processing routes.
• Perform densification of ceramics via sintering techniques (e.g., spark plasma sintering, hot pressing).

• Prepare and machine sintered specimens to prescribed geometries for mechanical property testing (e.g., flexural strength bars, hardness coupons, fracture toughness specimens).
• Polish specimens for microstructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), including cross‑sections of oxidized or thermally exposed samples.
• Crush and sieve powders and prepare mounts for X‑ray diffraction (XRD) phase analysis.

• Conduct mechanical property measurements including hardness (Vickers/Knoop), flexural strength, and fracture toughness on dense ceramic specimens.
• Support elevated‑temperature mechanical testing as required by individual projects.
• Document test conditions, load‑displacement data, and failure observations with rigor.

• Operate or assist in the operation of SEM for microstructural imaging and EDS compositional analysis of as‑sintered, oxidized, and mechanically tested specimens.
• Perform XRD measurements for phase identification and semi‑quantitative phase analysis; assist with data reduction and interpretation.
• Support thermal property measurements (e.g., thermal diffusivity/conductivity) and oxidation resistance testing.

• Maintain accurate laboratory records and contribute to progress reports and publications.
• Uphold laboratory safety standards and comply with all relevant safety protocols.

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, or a closely related field (recently conferred).
• Hands‑on experience with powder processing and sintering of advanced ceramics.
• Proficiency in sample preparation for SEM (metallographic polishing) and XRD (powder crushing and sieving).
• Familiarity with mechanical property testing of ceramics or brittle materials.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to laboratory safety.

• Familiarity with refractory ceramics or boride/carbide ceramic systems.
• Experience operating SEM or analyzing XRD data (e.g., Rietveld refinement, phase quantification).
• Exposure to high‑temperature testing techniques for mechanical and thermal properties.
• Interest in nuclear materials or hypersonic thermal protection systems.

Posted until filled

This position is not eligible for University benefits. Individuals in non benefit eligible positions may choose to participate in the Tax Deferred Annuity Plan (403b). For information about this plan, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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