Research Scientist - Materials Research Laboratory

The Materials Research Laboratory (MRL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to lead and expand research in characterization and testing of structural materials for extreme environments. The Research Scientist will develop an externally funded research program addressing mechanical behavior, irradiation effects, phase transformations, and materials design and synthesis, focusing on challenges in energy, transportation, manufacturing, or other demanding service environments.

The successful candidate will become a member of the dedicated staff of approximately 20 scientists and engineers, who maintain major research instruments in the MRL’s core facilities for electron microscopy, battery fabrication and characterization facilities, soft materials characterization, scanning probe microscopy, laser and optical spectroscopy, surface analysis, x-ray diffraction, and nanofabrication facilities including two clean rooms. Approximately 1,000 researchers from across our campus as well as other academic institutions, industry, and national laboratories use the facilities, logging more than 100,000 user hours annually.

The lab is recognized as one of the premier mid-sized user facilities in the nation. For details, please visit us online at https://mrl.illinois.edu/facilities/ .

• Perform high-level research and development in structural alloy resilience under extreme degradation modes; publish high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship and disseminate results through conference presentations and professional engagement.
• Lead sponsored research projects in structural materials in extreme environments; prepare technical reports and other deliverables for sponsors.
• Develop, lead, and submit competitive research proposals to various funding agencies; contribute to proposal conceptualization and ideation, gap identification and background knowledge, developing research and evaluation plans, team building, and coordinating contributions from collaborators.
• Maintain and advance relevant laboratory facilities, equipment, safety practices, and experimental capabilities.
• Collaborate effectively within a large research group and across interdisciplinary teams; establish external research partnerships and contribute to the development of new research directions and collaborations.
• Contribute to mentorship and training of undergraduate and/or graduate students, including instrument-specific training, results interpretation, and professional skills development.
• Perform other related research duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications :

• Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related field.
• 5 or more years of postdoctoral or other post-Ph.D. research experience.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in advanced characterization, mechanical behavior, irradiation effects, or related areas.
• Demonstrated success in developing and securing externally sponsored research proposals.
• Demonstrate the ability to lead independent research, manage multiple priorities, communicate effectively with sponsors and collaborators, and work productively in a collaborative research environment.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Experience managing laboratory equipment, experimental programs, or research personnel.
• Expertise in advanced electron microscopy techniques, irradiation effects and nuclear materials, fracture or deformation mechanisms analysis, and/or alloy synthesis and manufacturing.
• Familiarity with practices and organizational structures of large public universities.

This is an Academic Professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis.

The…