Senior Research Scientist - Radiochemist

Senior Research Scientist - Radiochemist

Benefits of working at VCU

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here .

Job Code 33241 - 33246
Recruitment Pool All Applicants
Posting Number req6749
Unit College Of Engineering MBU
Department Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
Department Website Link https://egr.vcu.edu/departments/mechanical/
Location VCU
Address 907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284 USA
Duties & Responsibilities

Position Description:

Since its inception in 1996, VCU College of Engineering has brought innovative, real-world engineering education to Central Virginia. Comprised of five different departments plus the Dean’s office, the College of Engineering enrolls more than 1,700 undergraduate and 250 graduate students in several degree programs supported by approximately 600 full time, part time, and student employees.

The department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering within the VCU College of Engineering is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to lead radiochemistry work, including setting up a radiochemistry laboratory, training undergraduate and graduate students, co-teaching a summer course on isotope production, performing research on more efficient methods to extract isotopes, and publishing results. This position will be responsible for:

• Partnering with students (undergraduate and graduate) as well as faculty in the execution of existing research initiatives by supporting experimental design, implementation, and analysis.
• Aiding the identification, evaluation, and development (e.g., from brainstorming to proposal preparation) of new research horizons across the focus areas of the group. The position is highly encouraged to seek externally funded research as the principal investigator in collaboration with nuclear and chemistry-focused faculty.
• Maintain leading-edge knowledge of current methods and technologies related to radiochemistry, actinide separation techniques, and radioactive assay methods.
• Conducting and documenting literature reviews of prior activities related to research objectives.
• Documenting research findings and communicating results to internal and external team members and collaborators.
• Publishing research findings.
• Delivering results in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.
• Supervising and maintaining the day-to-day operation of the equipment and infrastructure within the purview of the radiochemistry laboratory spaces, including new user training, equipment scheduling, the construction of new custom experimental test stands, compliance with University/State/Federal safety standards, the strategic acquisition of new equipment, managing lab inventory, ordering, and receiving.
• Developing standard operating procedures and safety protocols for various systems, including maintaining trained user databases through university systems.
• Aid in the supervision of undergraduate and graduate students.
• Co-teach a summer course in isotope science.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Radiochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Nuclear Engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to publish research findings, preferably in high-impact scientific journals.
• Ability to work collaboratively with research teams to better assist them in accomplishing their goal.
• Strong written/oral skills and the ability to communicate technical concepts are required.
• Willing to co-teach a summer course.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to establish priorities and to handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently.
• The College of Engineering at VCU champions diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Cultivating an ecosystem where differences are celebrated, and our faculty, staff, and students have the opportunity to thrive is at the core of how we operate. The successful candidate will demonstrate experience that shows their commitment to fostering such an environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Radiochemistry or related field.
• Experience in a radiochemistry laboratory with experience performing actinide chemistry.
• Experience establishing a new laboratory.
• Experience leading research projects.
• Teaching experience.

Additional Information:

This position is 100% grant funded and continuation of the position is subject to available funding.
ORP Eligible: Yes
FLSA Status: Exempt
University Job Slotting: Research Scientist (1-3) - Senior Research Scientist (4-6)

FLSA University Employee
Job FTE 100
Exemption Status Exempt
Restricted Position Yes
E-Class UF - University Employee FT
Job Category University Employee
ORP Eligible Yes
Salary Range $75,000 - $85,000
Compensation Type Salaried
Target Hire Date 1/13/2025
Contact Information for Candidates

Sierra Cloud
cloudse@vcu.edu

Documents Needed to Apply