Research Specialist

Job Profile:

Lab and Research Specialist 2

Job Family:

Lab and Research Support

Time Type:

Full time

Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary:
Provides technical lab support by independently performing basic lab and research-related tasks to ensure accurate research results that can expand on the knowledge of the field of study. Responsible for following lab safety standards.

Job Description:

Position Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000 per year; DOE

Job Description:

As a Research Specialist, you will provide experimental and instrumental support to users requesting services from Eyring Materials Center with expertise on assigned processing and synthesis equipment, analytical techniques, as well as data analysis and interpretation when applicable. You will also be responsible for maintaining and/or coordinating maintenance on the assigned equipment and techniques. The broad range of materials being synthesized and analyzed includes semiconductors, ceramics, glasses, alloys, geological samples and a wide range of inorganic, organic, and hybrid materials.

Essential Duties:

• Furnace lab and chemistry support:
  • Primary contact for all high-temperature synthesis and processing requests within EMC
  • Operating and supervising synthesis and processing using graphite-, tungsten-, molybdenum disilicide-, silicon carbide-, and Kanthal®-element furnaces under vacuum, reducing, oxidizing, or inert conditions (as appropriate for element type).
  • Using and maintaining glass high-vacuum manifolds and Schlenk lines for synthesis, processing, and transfer of air-sensitive materials including sealing ampoules using oxyhydrogen and oxyacetylene torches.
  • Planning, execution, and optimization of complex chemical reactions under a variety of conditions (high temperatures, high pressures, reactive atmospheres, etc.) to create novel compounds or to scale up production of existing materials.
  • Effectively assessing risks to safety and property, collaborating with local safety experts, and implementing appropriate engineering and process safeguards.
• Analytical support:
  • Understanding of suitable modes of characterizing synthetic products and the availability of those modes within ASU research ecosystem.
  • Primary contact for training, service and user support on the High-Resolution X-ray diffractometer
  • Ability to assist with analytical techniques as needed by the facility, including (but not limited to) X-ray diffraction, TG-DSC, FTIR, Raman, UV-Vis, etc.
• General facility-related activities:
  • Managing user requests, instrument scheduling, and billable work with Agilent iLab.
  • Implementing or coordinating maintenance (as appropriate) for instrumentation in assigned EMC laboratories.
  • Reviewing product specifications and recommending new/replacement parts for the assigned instruments. Negotiating prices, terms and conditions with suppliers.
  • Effectively communicating progress and challenges with team-members and management.
  • Maintaining accurate research records, standard laboratory procedures, and managing inventories of chemical reagents and lab supplies.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of high temperature processing and thermal analysis instruments including thermocouples, controllers, vacuum pumps, pressure gauges, and residual gas analyzers, etc.
• Knowledge of chemical synthesis: designing routes for multi-step syntheses from scientific literatures; running reactions under controlled temperatures, pressures, and atmospheres; optimizing processes to improve reaction yields and safety and enabling potential pilot-scale operations.
• Knowledge of proper and safe handling, use, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste.
• Knowledge of standards and best practices for storing and using compressed gases, including oxidizing-, flammable-, and reactive-gases.
• Skill in both verbal and written communication.
• Skill in troubleshooting and problem-solving and in planning, implementing, and supervising laboratory activities.
• Demonstrated accountability, dependability, and ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Good working knowledge of analytical capabilities within the GMSF including X-ray diffraction, TG-DSC, FTIR, UV-vis and a range of spectroscopy techniques, vacuum practice and thermal analysis.
• Commitment to continuous learning and to sharing knowledge and skills with colleagues.
• Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment and four years of related research experience; or
• Master's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment and two years of related research experience; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.
• General hands-on experience with chemical synthesis.
• Hands-on experience with high temperature processing.
• Hands-on experience with X-ray diffraction.
• Hands-on experience with TG-DSC, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Hands-on experience with maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing instrumentation
• In-depth understanding of the relationships among materials synthesis, structure, processing, and properties.
• Experience managing and tracking multiple projects and prioritizing tasks
• Demonstrated knowledge of the operating principles underlying characterization techniques relevant to the discipline
• Demonstrated knowledge of modern research methods, data collection, and analysis
• Evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience analyzing and evaluating data and preparing technical reports

Working Environment:

• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting and laboratory subject to extended periods of being in a stationary position, operating computer and other office productivity machinery; required to move a moderate distance to perform work.  
• Frequently moves up to 25 pounds for various needs. 
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment before entering laboratories such as lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, closed toe shoes and respirator.,

Department Statement:

Each year since 2016, ASU has been named the most innovative school in the nation, recognizing the university's culture of groundbreaking research and partnerships, as well as its commitment to helping students thrive in college and beyond. U.S. News and World Report has named ASU as the most innovative university all twelve years the category has existed.

ASU Knowledge Enterprise advances research, innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and international development. Our success arises from solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research; an entrepreneurial approach that is embedded in every school and department; and a commitment to transform society in a positive way. To learn more about how Knowledge Enterprise is a place for your career to grow, visit https://research.asu.edu/about-us/careers.

Driving Requirement:

Driving is not required for this position.

Location:

Campus: Tempe

Funding:

No Federal Funding

Instructions to Apply:

Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.

To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:

• Cover letter
• Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.

Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.

Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date.

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.

Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

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ASU’s comprehensive benefits package is a key part of your total compensation. Visit the ASU Compensation Estimator

Employment Verification Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement:

A fingerprint check is not required for this position.