Research Professional

Department
 

PME Meng Lab

About the Department
 

Job Summary
 

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is seeking a Research Professional to support the day-to-day operational and administrative needs of a large and complex research group heavily involved in the Mengs lab effort. The ideal candidate will closely partner with Professor Shirley Meng to plan, oversee and execute all aspects of the research operation, from basic calendaring and inventory management to grant proposal preparation, manuscript editing, and report preparation. The candidate should have experience in planning, executing, facilitating, and promoting advanced technical/scientific research projects on energy storage and conversion technologies, especially in: 1) developing advanced analytical techniques for materials diagnosis; 2) synthesis of advanced materials with micro/nano size through solid-state, co-precipitation, and hydro-thermal methods; and 3) knowledge of the complexities of the interaction among the anode, cathode, and electrolyte, such as qualitative and quantitative lithium inventory study. The Research Professional will participate directly in various research activities and support the PI with the mentorship of researchers working on different projects.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates and promotes advanced technical/scientific research projects including data analysis. Recognizes the need for innovation and develops or incorporates advances in research concepts to help disseminate the results of research projects. Provides day-to-day operational oversight in support of the same.
• Assists in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports. May help prepare presentations for scientific meetings and will provide help with the preparation of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
• Works closely with faculty to write documentation and disseminate computational methods and resources that support or advance their research.
• Maintains group scientific operations, including activities of students, postdoctoral researchers, and research staff.
• Collaborates and coordinates with other researchers in the group and joint research efforts.
• Coordinates with other personnel in various functional areas (e.g., Human Resources, University Research Administration, ANL, etc.) internally and externally to ensure smooth operations across all aspects of the operation.
• Creates and presents tutorials, hands-on workshops, and documentation to educate the research community, per the faculty lead’s direction.
• Accurately and promptly, maintains appointments, calendars, inventories, websites, grant-related documentation, financial projections (on a grant, gift, and other funding sources), reports, and other information.
• Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage complex data sets for research.
• Trains new laboratory personnel.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Education:

• Doctoral degree in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related area.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of significant work experience; postdoc experience.
• Experience with energy storage and conversion technologies.
• Extensive experience in different anode materials, including Li metal, Si, and Graphite.
• Expertise in handling batteries with different formats and specifications, including high energy density pouch, prismatic, and cylindrical cells.
• Advanced characterization techniques, such as cryogenic related electron microscope, X-ray related characterization, and analytical chromatography.
• Experience with initiating and guiding research projects with students and other researchers.
• Experience working within academic and laboratory environments.
• Supervisory experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Chemical analytical skills such as Titration, Gas Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, ICP, etc.
• Fabrication capabilities for coin cell, pouch cell, and load cell with pressure and temperature control.
• In-depth electrochemistry skills including CV, EIS, and other quantitative electrochemical methods.
• X-ray power diffraction experimental design and quantitative data analysis.
• Strong computer skills, including calendaring, document management (e.g., Dropbox, Box, etc.), word processing, database management, and spreadsheet skills.
• Knowledge of statistical/analytical software.
• Familiarity with grant writing/submission and manuscript drafting, editing & review.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated administrative, problem-solving, organization, and coordination skills.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to prioritize urgent tasks while ensuring established deadlines are met.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.
• Ability to handle stressful, sensitive, and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Knowledge and experience of related research techniques or methods.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with local and Federal regulations, guidelines, and procedures.
  

Application Documents

• CV including a list of publications. (required)
• Cover letter (required).
• Professional Reference Contact List – 3 (required).
• Research statement describing current and future research interests. (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
 

No

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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