Research Scientist

Job Description

The Virginia Tech (VT) Department of Chemistry has an exciting opening for a surface scientist (“Research Scientist”) interested in providing leadership in the development and use of surface analysis techniques for research. This will be accomplished by managing a growing analytical facility at our main campus in Blacksburg, VA. Developing and maintaining a proper facility will require the scientist to research and utilize novel applications of the techniques, both independently and in conjunction with colleagues in the Department, around the University, and in the greater scientific community. The scientist will be expected to pursue grant funding, as the PI or coPI, for instrumentation and independent or collaborative research with other faculty in areas related to environmental chemistry, polymer science, catalysis, and energy sciences. The scientist will author/co-author research proposals, progress reports, and journal articles. Further, the Research Scientist will develop and work with industrial partners to strengthen the laboratory’s reputation as a top analytical facility.

The Research Scientist serves as departmental surface analysis expert regarding Xray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The current anchor instrument of the facility is a PHI 5000 VersaProbe Scanning ESCA Microprobe with state-of-the art sample preparation methods and auxiliary features. In conjunction with the research activities, the incumbent maintains and calibrates the instrumentation and generates instrument usage, repair logs, and billing and accounting reports. They play an active role in training seminars and courses when expertise in surface analysis is requested. They train and supervise appropriate users for the instrumentation.

Required Qualifications

•Ph.D. in Chemistry or appropriate related field.
•Courses in spectroscopy, surfaces, and materials chemistry (soft and hard) or equivalent level of training and/or experience.
•Experience operating analytical instrumentation such as X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy.
•Experience with maintaining and repairing ultrahigh vacuum instrumentation.
•Skill in the use of data processing and prediction software and in the interpretation of XPS spectra.
•Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
•Skill in preparing and presenting training in instrumental techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

•Experience operating a research services facility or similar experience showing good administrative practices and skill in promoting services.
•Experience with other surface analysis techniques – Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry, etc.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Review Date

August 29, 2022

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Brandi Webb at bowens20@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: August 2, 2022
Applications close: