Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist or Research Engineer/Senior Research Engineer

Department of Aerospace Engineering

The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

EXTENDED

 

The Department of Aerospace Engineering in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants to fill one position at either the Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist or Research Engineer/Senior Research Engineer level within the Composite and Additive Manufacturing Lab (CAM Lab). This facility is dedicated to the advancement of composite and additive processing methods that enable traditional, multifunctional, and adaptive structural concepts for aerospace and other applications including space-based manufacturing, morphing composites, sustainable composites, and additive-enabled designs. It encompasses 4800 sq. ft of space within Talbot Laboratory containing chemical hoods, composite and additive manufacturing processing and characterization equipment including an instrumented Universal Testing Frame, ovens, an autoclave, hot presses, a polymer compounder, FDM and Objet polymer additive printers, IR cameras, optical microscopes, and machining and sectioning equipment. It also includes a 1000 sq. ft of space in a nearby building for a robotic-arm based Continuous Fiber 3D (CF3D®) large-scale composite printer – the first in academia. 

The Research Scientist position will be responsible for the co-development of new processing and characterization methods for composite materials and the maintenance and operation of the Composite and Additive Manufacturing Lab (CAM Lab) facility and associated instrumentation in strong coordination with the laboratory principal investigator (PI).

The Senior Research Scientist position will lead the execution of portions of sponsored research efforts and ensure the operation of the CAM Lab facility in coordination with the laboratory.

The Research Engineer position will be responsible for processing and characterization of composite materials and the maintenance and operation of the CAM Lab facility and associated instrumentation in strong coordination with the laboratory principal investigator.

The Senior Research Engineer position will lead the execution of portions of sponsored research efforts and the operation of the CAM Lab facility in coordination with the laboratory principal investigator (PI).

 

Duties for each are the following but can vary based on position title and level:

·   Execute sponsored research on composite and additive manufacturing.

·   Contribute to PI-led research proposals, research papers, reports, and presentations including the use of or development of new processing and characterization methods.

·   Maintain and upgrade composite/additive laboratory equipment, including purchasing, maintaining inventory of consumables, coordinating repairs, and ensuring equipment is in working condition.

·   Act as the lab safety officer and ensure security of facilities and information.

·   Work with faculty instructors and contribute to the training of undergraduate and graduate students on composite/additive manufacturing equipment.

·   Develop and/or contribute to proposals for future laboratory infrastructure, educational initiatives, and other related activities.

Research Scientist

 Minimum Qualifications:

 ·   M.S. in mechanical or aerospace engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or related field.

 ·  Prior experience with hands-on laboratory research, operation of complex research equipment, data acquisition and experiment design.

 ·   Prior education or experience in more than one of the following areas: composite material processing, composite material characterization, additive manufacturing, mechanical testing, optical microscopy, and thermomechanical material characterization.

 ·    Ability to work in multidisciplinary research team with strong verbal and written communication skills.

 

 Preferred Qualifications:
·    M.S. degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or related field with more than 2 years of relevant laboratory experience.

·   2 years of related experience in a government, industry, or academic laboratory. 

 

 Senior Research Scientist

 Minimum Qualifications:

 ·  M.S. in mechanical or aerospace engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or related field.

 ·  Prior experience with hands-on laboratory research, operation of complex research equipment, data acquisition and experiment design.

 ·  Prior education or experience in more than one of the following areas: composite material processing, composite material characterization, additive manufacturing, mechanical testing, optical microscopy, and thermomechanical material characterization.

 ·  Ability to work in multidisciplinary research team with strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

 ·   Ph.D. in the above areas with more than 2 years of relevant postgraduate experience.

·   2 years of related experience in a government, industry, or academic laboratory.

Research Engineer

 Minimum Qualifications:

 ·   B.S. in mechanical or aerospace engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or related field.

·   Prior experience with hands-on laboratory research, operation of complex research equipment, data acquisition and experiment design.

·  Prior education or experience in more than one of the following areas: composite material processing, composite material characterization, additive manufacturing, mechanical testing, optical microscopy, and thermomechanical material characterization.

·   Ability to work in a multidisciplinary research team with strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

 ·   M.S. degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or related field.

·    2 years of related experience in a government, industry, or academic laboratory.

Senior Research Engineer

Minimum Qualifications:

 ·  B.S. in mechanical or aerospace engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or related field.
·  More than 7 years of related experience in a government, industry, or academia.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

 ·   M.S. with more than 5 years of relevant experience.

 

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a full-time academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date.  Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date.  The minimum for the Research Scientist/Research Engineer position is $70,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The minimum salary for the Senior Research Scientist/Senior Research Engineer position is $90,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.  Employees hired into this position will be expected to work onsite on a full-time basis.

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on January 16, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter (please specify title preference), resume, and names/contact information for three references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Kathy Atwood at kbuss@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

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Requisition ID: 1021189
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu