Research Professional

Department
PME Meng Lab

About the Department
The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME; 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
The PME is seeking a Research Professional to support the day-to-day operational and administrative needs of a large and complex research group that is heavily involved in the Mengs lab effort. The ideal candidate will closely partner with Professor Shirley Meng to plan, oversee, and execute all aspects of the research operation, from basic calendaring and inventory management to grant proposal preparation, manuscript editing, and report preparation. The candidate should have experience in planning, executing, facilitating, and promoting advanced technical/scientific research projects on energy storage and conversion technologies, especially in: 1) developing advanced analytical techniques for materials diagnosis; 2) synthesis of advanced materials with micro/nano size through solid-state, co-precipitation, and hydro-thermal methods; and 3) knowledge of the complexities of the interaction among the anode, cathode, and electrolyte, such as qualitative and quantitative lithium inventory study. The Research Professional will participate directly through various research activities and support the PI with the mentorship of researchers who will work on different projects.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates and promotes advanced technical/scientific research projects, including data analysis. Recognizes the need for innovation and develops or incorporates advances in research concepts to help disseminate the results of research projects. Provides day-to-day operational oversight in support of the same.
• Assists in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports. May help prepare presentations for scientific meetings and will provide help with the preparation of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
• Works closely with faculty to write documentation and disseminate computational methods and resources that support or advance their research.
• Maintains group scientific operations, including activities of students, postdoctoral researchers, and research staff.
• Collaborates and coordinates with other researchers in the group and joint research efforts.
• Coordinates with other personnel in various functional areas, such as Human Resources, University Research Administration, ANL, etc., both internally and externally to ensure smooth operations across all aspects of the operation.
• Creates and presents tutorials, hands-on workshops, and documentation to educate the research community, as per the direction of the faculty lead.
• Accurately and in a timely manner, maintains appointments, calendars, inventories, websites, grant-related documentation, financial projections (on grant, gift, and other funding sources), reports, and other information.
• Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage complex data sets for research.
• Trains new laboratory personnel.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Doctoral degree in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related area.

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of significant work experience; postdoc experience.
• Background with energy storage and conversion technologies.
• Extensive experience in different anode materials, including Li metal, Si, and Graphite.
• Expertise in handling batteries with different formats and specifications, including high-energy-density pouch, prismatic, and cylindrical cells.
• Advanced characterization techniques, such as cryogenic-related electron microscope, X-ray related characterization, and analytical chromatography.
• Initiating and guiding research projects with students and other researchers.
• Background working within academic and laboratory environments.
• Supervisory experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Chemical analytical skills such as Titration, Gas Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, ICP, etc.
• Fabrication capabilities for coin cell, pouch cell, and load cell with pressure and temperature control.
• In-depth electrochemistry skills, including CV, EIS, and other quantitative electrochemical methods.
• X-ray power diffraction experimental design and quantitative data analysis.
• Strong computer skills, including calendaring, document management, Dropbox, Box, etc., word processing, database management, and spreadsheet skills.
• Knowledge of statistical/analytical software.
• Familiarity with grant writing/submission and manuscript drafting, editing and review.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated administrative, 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.
• Handle stressful, sensitive, and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Knowledge and experience of related research techniques or methods.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with local and federal regulations, guidelines, and procedures.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV, including a list of publications (required)
• Research Statement describing current and future research interests (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
$80,000.00 - $90,000.00
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.

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