Department

PME Guha Lab

About The Department

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME; https://pme.uchicago.edu/) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, which was founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront, while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

Job Summary

PME is seeking an experienced researcher to participate in and manage research projects. The candidate will also help supervise students and PDs dedicated to the properties of study materials and is expected to engage in experimental research and research collaborations with other scientists. The ideal candidate will closely partner with the faculty to plan, oversee, and execute all aspects of the project, including identifying the need for innovation and developing or incorporating advances in research concepts to help disseminate the results of research projects. In addition, the role will include student supervision. This position will be available for an initial one-year term and may be extended based on project needs and funding.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates and promotes advanced technical/scientific research projects, including experiments, simulations and data analysis. Recognizes the need for innovation and develops or incorporates advances in research concepts to help disseminate results.
• Experimental topics can include quantum materials and devices as well as microelectronic materials and devices.
• Carries out experiments at our laboratories at UChicago and Argonne National Laboratory via a joint appointment.
• Collaborates and coordinates with other researchers in the group in joint research efforts.
• Builds relationships crucial to the success of the lab, PME, and UChicago and manages various special projects, some of which may have organizational impact.
• Manages complex data sets for research.
• Trains new laboratory personnel.
• Collaborates closely with the research team to disseminate research methods to support or advance their research.
• Participates in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports and co-authors/authors' scientific research manuscripts. Provides peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
• Collaborates on the development of new research projects with academic and community-based organizations.
• May present work at scientific meetings.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Education:

Minimum Qualifications

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

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

Certifications:

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Doctoral degree with an established track record in chemistry, physics, or engineering.

Experience:

• Significant work experience after the doctorate; postdoc experience.
• Possess experience in a research laboratory, preferably in an independent project.
• Conducting wet or dry lab work in a research laboratory, preferably in an independent project.
• Background in thin film deposition and characterization, fabrication of structures, device design and measurements.

Technical Skills Or Knowledge:

• Strong computer programming and instrumentation interface skills in Python and C programming languages.
• Strong experimental skills in cleanroom process development, thin film deposition, vacuum systems, materials characterization, device design and transport physics.
• 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 problem-solving, organization and coordination skills.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills and handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Prioritize urgent tasks while ensuring established deadlines are met.
• Flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (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

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$70,000.00 - $80,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

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.

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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