Materials Scientist

Hiring Department Critical Materials Crossroads (CMC) in the Office of StrategicInnovation (OSIN) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City(UMKC). Job Description The Critical Materials Crossroads (CMC) Scientist serves as atechnical research professional supporting the U.S. NationalScience Foundation (NSF) Critical Materials Crossroads Engine, itsregional innovation ecosystem, and additional projects fundedoutside of the NSF. The position conducts and coordinatesuse-inspired research and development focused on critical minerals,critical materials, and the processes, technologies, andmanufacturing systems needed to strengthen a domestic criticalmaterials supply chain. The Scientist works across academic,industry, government, nonprofit, and workforce partners to connectscientific discovery with practical regional and nationalneeds. The position designs and executes research, develops and validatesexperimental methods, analyzes and interprets technical data, andcontributes to the advancement of technologies from early-stageresearch toward demonstration and translation. The Scientist alsosupports collaborative project development, technical reporting,partner engagement, research infrastructure, intellectual propertyand commercialization pathways, and workforce or experientiallearning activities. Consistent with the NSF Engines model, theposition is expected to help align research with stakeholder needs,technical and economic feasibility, measurable milestones, andopportunities for regional economic impact. Key Responsibilities Design, execute, analyze, and document laboratory, pilot-scale,computational, field, or manufacturing-relevant experiments,ensuring scientific rigor, reproducibility, and timely delivery ofproject milestones. Collaborate with academic, industry, government, nonprofit, andworkforce partners to define technical requirements, solvemultidisciplinary problems, and advance shared researchobjectives. Advance promising technologies from research toward validation,scale-up, demonstration, technology transfer, commercialization, orother pathways to practical application and regional economicimpact. Prepare and communicate technical findings through reports,presentations, publications, sponsor updates, proposals, and otherresearch products for both technical and nontechnicalaudiences. Maintain safe, compliant, and effective research operations,including appropriate stewardship of research data, equipment,facilities, confidential information, and sponsor or universityrequirements. Contribute to CMC workforce development and ecosystem-buildingactivities by mentoring students and research personnel, supportingexperiential learning, and connecting research capabilities withemerging technical skill needs. Track research progress, technical risks, performance measures,and resource needs; communicate issues promptly and recommendevidence-based adjustments to research plans and priorities. Roles Use-Inspired Critical Materials Research Scientist Research Project and Experimental Lead Technology Development and Translation Contributor Industry and Cross-Sector Technical Collaborator Research Data, Documentation, and Reporting Lead Research Infrastructure, Safety, and Compliance Steward Workforce Development and Technical Mentorship Contributor Duties Research Project and Experimental Lead Develop experimental plans, protocols, test matrices,milestones, and technical deliverables for assigned researchactivities Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot scientific instrumentation,laboratory systems, pilot equipment, or research tools within theScientist’s area of expertise Analyze experimental results using appropriate statistical,computational, modeling, or data-analysis methods and translatefindings into actionable technical recommendations Identify technical risks, research barriers, and resource needsand recommend adjustments to scope, methods, timelines, orpriorities Technology Development and Translation Contributor Advance promising research outcomes toward validation,scale-up, demonstration, technology transfer, commercialization, orother pathways to practice Contribute technical information to technology-readinessassessments, techno-economic analyses, process evaluations, andassessments of technical and economic uncertainty Work with CMC innovation, entrepreneurship, and industrypartners to define performance requirements, validation criteria,and next-stage development needs Support invention disclosures, intellectual propertydocumentation, technical due diligence, and other researchtranslation activities as appropriate Industry and Cross-Sector Technical Collaborator Collaborate with faculty, researchers, engineers, companies,national laboratories, government agencies, nonprofits, and otherCMC partners on multidisciplinary research projects Engage industry and other end users to understand operationalrequirements, technical constraints, supply-chain challenges, andopportunities for innovation Coordinate technical activities across partner organizations,including sample exchange, testing, data review, demonstrations,and joint research planning Communicate scientific concepts and research resultseffectively to technical and nontechnical stakeholders Research Data, Documentation, and Reporting Lead Maintain complete, accurate, and reproducible research records,experimental documentation, datasets, methods, and technicalfiles Prepare technical reports, presentations, manuscripts, posters,milestone updates, and other research products for CMC leadership,partners, sponsors, and professional audiences Contribute scientific and technical content to NSF reporting,project reviews, proposals, statements of work, and collaborativefunding opportunities Track assigned research milestones, outputs, performancemeasures, and technical dependencies and communicate progress orconcerns in a timely manner Research Infrastructure, Safety, and Compliance Steward Follow and promote laboratory, environmental, health, safety,research integrity, data management, export control, and otherapplicable university and sponsor requirements Support development and implementation of standard operatingprocedures, equipment protocols, quality practices, and safelaboratory or pilot operations Coordinate acquisition, installation, calibration, maintenance,and appropriate use of research equipment and supplies asassigned Protect confidential, proprietary, controlled, and unpublishedresearch information in accordance with applicable agreements andpolicies Workforce Development and Technical MentorshipContributor Mentor and provide technical guidance to students, interns,technicians, research staff, or partner personnel participating inCMC research activities Contribute to experiential learning, demonstrations, workshops,laboratory training, and other workforce development activitiesconnected to CMC technology priorities Help translate research capabilities and industry needs intotechnical skills, training topics, and career exposureopportunities for the regional workforce Expectations Demonstrate scientific rigor, sound technical judgment, andindependence in planning and executing assigned researchactivities Prioritize use-inspired research that responds to stakeholderneeds and contributes to CMC’s mission of strengthening thedomestic critical materials supply chain Produce reproducible, well-documented, and decision-relevantresearch results while meeting established milestones anddeliverables Collaborate effectively across disciplines, institutions, andsectors and contribute to a culture of shared accountability withinthe CMC innovation ecosystem Actively support translation of promising research towardpractical application, scale-up, commercialization, or otherpathways to societal and economic impact Maintain high standards for laboratory safety, researchintegrity, data stewardship, confidentiality, and compliance withuniversity and sponsor requirements Communicate technical progress, risks, findings, and resourceneeds clearly and promptly to CMC leadership and projectstakeholders Adapt research priorities and methods as technical evidence,partner needs, market conditions, and CMC strategic prioritiesevolve Contribute to workforce development, mentorship, and broadaccess to research and technical career opportunities within theregion Support continuous improvement of CMC research capabilities,collaborative processes, and the long-term sustainability of theregional innovation ecosystem This position is 100% grant funded and contingent on continued funding. Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor's degree in related/ relevant area and at least 3years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills canbe acquired is necessary Ability to hold and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree or higher in a relevant scientific or engineeringdiscipline and demonstrated experience in critical materialsresearch, applied research and development, technology translation,or collaborative industry-focused research. Anticipated Hiring Range The anticipated hiring range for this position has been establishedas $65,000 to $85,000 annually. Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but notlimited to, the individual’s particular combination of education,skills, and experience, as well as organizationalrequirements. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck.The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans,and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Grade Grade: GGS 10 University Title University Title: Scientist To review the University of Missouri’s Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Application Deadline Review of applications to begin immediately. Posting to remain open until position filled. Sponsorship Information Employment visa sponsorship is not available for thisposition. Benefit Eligibility This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of yourtotal compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefitspackage, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement,paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parentalleave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for allfour UM System campuses. For additional information on Universitybenefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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