Research Associate, Chemistry, College of Arts & Sciences

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UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.

Job Overview

The primary responsibility of the staff crystallographer is to operate and maintain a full-service laboratory for single-crystal crystallography and X-ray powder diffraction. The staff crystallographer is responsible for performing both routine and specialized crystallographic analyses, including single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction data collection, crystal structure determination, powder diffraction analysis, and the preparation of reports documenting the services provided. The staff crystallographer may also be asked to assist biochemical research groups with macromolecular crystal mounting and screening. In addition, the crystallographer is expected to teach the graduate-level X-ray Crystallography course (CHEM 8046), which includes both lectures and hands-on laboratory instruction, and to contribute to the crystallography components of undergraduate-level laboratory courses. The crystallographer is expected to participate in all aspects of research publication and dissemination, including the preparation of manuscript sections involving structural characterization and crystallographic analysis. However, responsibility for overall manuscript preparation does not rest solely with the crystallographer. The staff crystallographer is also strongly encouraged to establish research collaborations both within the Department and with external investigators. These collaborations may include research activities conducted at synchrotron and neutron scattering facilities. The crystallographer is expected to pursue external support for the X-ray Facility through mechanisms such as fee-for-service activities, external service agreements, and participation as a co-principal investigator (Co-PI) on grant proposals.

Essential Functions

• Assist with the coordination of research studies in the disciplines focused on the study of matter, energy, materials, chemistry, physics, and laboratory-based physical systems research.
• Make independent contributions to projects and studies based on professional training or functional experience.
• Solve problems using combined research knowledge.
• Independently works on whole projects/problems.
• Contribute to the collective team effort.
• Perform statistical and graphical analysis of data, interpret data and assist in judging validity of data.
• Analyze research results.
• Organize data search and analysis procedures.
• Assist in establishing test controls, criteria and research standards.
• Assist in the design of complex data processing systems to analyze research data.
• Accomplish assigned results for project/studies, or for significant aspects of larger, complex assignments.
• Serve as a seasoned level researcher.
• May provide direct and/or indirect supervision to exempt and non-exempt staff (i.e., hiring/firing, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, approve time off, etc.).
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree required in a related field.

Required Experience

• Three (3) years relevant work experience in a specialized field, process or discipline.

Additional Qualifications Considered

(1) Ph.D. in Chemistry or in a related field

(2) Experience with diffraction instrumentation and cryogenic device maintenance and repairs

(3) Systems management of the crystallographic computers and internal network

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Sitting - Continuously
• Repetitive hand motion (such as typing) - Often
• Hearing, listening - Often
• Talking - Often
• Standing - Often
• Walking - Often
• Stooping - Often
• Bending - Often
• Climbing stairs/ladders - Not Required
• Kneeling, squatting - Seldom
• Lifting - up to 20 pounds - Often
• Noise: There is sufficient noise to cause you to shout in order to be heard above the noise level.
• Atmospheric Conditions: Conditions that affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.
• Hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts of machinery or tools used to perform work, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status. Highlights include:

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our .

UC is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. Click for a list of acceptable documents.

Important : To apply you must create a profile and submit a complete job application through the . We are unable to consider “easy apply” applications submitted via other websites. For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact UC HR at View email address on us.fitly.work .

Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.

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