Research Associate 2

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Job Posting Title:
Research Associate 2


Position Type:
Wages as Earned (Fixed Term)


Department:
LSUAM Engineering - Chemical - Advisor/Principal Investigator (Dr. Jimmy Lawrence (00054517))


Work Location:
Patrick F. Taylor Hall


Pay Grade:
Temporary


Job Description:

The Research Associate 2 conducts precision polymer synthesis and characterization in support of an NIH-funded program on discrete macromolecular architectures. The position requires independent execution of controlled polymerization, chromatographic isolation of discrete polymer species, and thermal and molecular characterization, together with analysis and written presentation of the resulting data. The incumbent holds a PhD in chemical engineering and has prior experience with the specific instrumentation and synthetic methods used in this laboratory.

40% Polymer synthesis and purification. Controlled polymerization (ROMP, ATRP), isolation of discrete polymer species by recycling preparative size exclusion chromatography, and purification and quality control of synthesized materials.

30% Characterization and data analysis. Thermal analysis by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, molecular weight determination by SEC-MALS, structural confirmation by NMR, and quantitative analysis of the resulting datasets.

20% Manuscript and data preparation. Preparation of figures, supporting information and manuscript text for peer-reviewed publication, and curation of experimental data for archival and reproducibility.

5% Technical support and training. Instrument training and methods support for graduate students in the laboratory.

5% Other duties as assigned


Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Skills Needed:

Preferred Skills:

Posting Date:
October 7, 2026


Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
October 14, 2026


Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university's ability to employ individuals in certain positions.


HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.