Research Associate II

Posting Details

Posting Details

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Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Research Associate II

Posting Number
NFE02517P

Department
SDSU-Ag & Biosystems Engineering

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text

The Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department at South Dakota State University ( SDSU ) is seeking a Research Associate II to support expanding research in electrochemical energy storage. This position is part of the newly established South Dakota Governor’s Research Center (SD GRC ) for Electrochemical Storage Technology, funded by the South Dakota Research and Commercialization Council through the South Dakota Board of Regents. The Research Associate II will specialize in the fabrication, characterization, and application of materials for energy storage devices, including their use in agricultural contexts. They will collaborate closely with the core GRC team and have access to advanced facilities, including TEM ( JEM 2100), a nanofabrication/cleanroom facility, electrochemical analyzers, and battery evaluation systems. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a grant funded, 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position contingent on continued grant funding.

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering strives to impact the future of agriculture through engineering, precision and technology. The department focuses on identifying and improving the world’s food production systems and available natural resources for an enhanced agricultural future.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :
In collaboration with SDSU PIs, write proposals to obtain external funds, and develop independent research programs with PIs of the SD GRC electrochemical energy storage projects. Assist PIs in SDSU write up annual research progress reports, as well as lead regular laboratory activities, including but not limited to writing standard operation protocols of experiments, maintaining inventory of chemicals, supplies and instruments, as well as organizing daily collaborative meetings of the laboratory. Mentor both graduate and undergraduate students. Introduce, advance and implement innovative electrochemical energy storage materials preparation, characterization and other significant factors in solid phase electrochemical batteries research areas. Focus on trans-disciplinary collaborations within the GRC Electrochemical Energy Storage center and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering ( ABE ) to drive ideas from basic concepts to engineering practice for long-term sustainable research.

BENEFITS :
South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or Engineering and/or related field completed by start date;
• At least one year of experience in batteries research laboratories;
• A background in materials preparation, characterization, and a knowledge of electrochemical energy storage technology; and
• Strong enthusiasm to explore new engineering problems and their scientific solutions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Experience with electrochemical analyzers, CVD, batteries fabrication and evaluation, as well as electrode materials characterization, AI powered data analysis and machine learning.
• Familiarity with electrochemical energy storage materials designation/fabrication/integration, knowledge of solid phase batteries device designation and fabrication.
• 1~2 years Research experience of ion-conducting materials and organic-inorganic hybrid materials for energy-related applications.
• In the past two years, engaged in the research of full-solid-state electrolyte in lithium-ion battery.
• More than 1 year experience in single ion conductive MOF -Polymer composite solid electrolytes membrane preparation and characterization.
• 1 year experience of investigating the ion conduction mechanism and the relationship between membrane structure and properties.
• 1~2 years experience in electrochemical energy storage technology, having rich experience in the preparation of MOFs/polymer electrolyte membrane materials used in full-solid-state independently.
• Proficient in full-solid-state lithium battery assembly and electrochemical performance analysis.
• Experience working with various groups of student populations and first-generation students.

APPLICATION PROCESS :
This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

Posting Date
10/28/2024

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

First Consideration Date
11/18/2024

Advertised Salary
The starting salary is $59,640 with education and/or experience to be considered.

Duration of the Term
12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
100

Work Hours

40

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type
Regular

Faculty Status
No

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires
No Requirement

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128 .

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Dr. Yang Ren at ren.yang@sdstate.edu.

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.
Analyzing, Comprehend, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-average, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment.
Eye Protection, Latex Gloves, Protective Clothing

If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position
Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Kneeling, Use Both Hands, Walking

Describe any of the conditions selected

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.
Color Vision, Hearing, Speaking

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.
Changes of Temperature, Chemical Hazards, Extreme Heat >100F

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.
Lab Environment

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Where did you hear about this position?
   • SDBOR Employment Site
   • South Dakota Department of Labor
   • Employee Referral
   • Department Announcement / Inside State
   • Handshake
   • Job Board (Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter) - Please specify
   • Industry Conference
   • Search Engine - Please specify
   • Employment Agency - Please specify
   • Newspaper - Please specify
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Please specify
   • Radio - Please specify
   • APLU
   • List Servs - Please specify
   • Alumni
   • Other - Please specify

Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference List

Optional Documents