Materials Scientist & MRI Manager at InsideHigherEd

Position Number:998011Functional Title:Materials Scientist & MRI ManagerPosition Type:ResearchPosition Eclass:EP - EHRA 12 mo leave earningUniversity Information:Located in North Carolina’s third largest city, UNC Greensboro is among the most diverse, learner-centered public research universities in the state, with 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and over 200 areas of graduate study. UNCG continues to be recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability. UNCG is ranked No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the N.Y. Times and No. 1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal — helping first-generation and lower-income students find paths to prosperity. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, UNCG is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The University’s 2,600 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B.Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit:The Office of Research Development exists to expand the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s capacity for innovative, groundbreaking research by providing resources that enhance complex proposal competitiveness. Additionally, our office fosters collaboration across the research community within Carolina and among key partners. The Office of Research Development facilitates project ideation, resource identification, and multidisciplinary team formation to enhance UNC’s competitiveness in securing funding for research and scholarly projects.Position Summary:The Materials Scientist and MRI Manager is designed to advance the University’s research capabilities in materials characterization, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and defense-related materials innovation.The successful candidate will play a critical role in overseeing key research facilities, supporting academic and industry collaborations, and conducting cutting-edge research within the Institute for Optimizing Military Methods for Advances in National Defense (iCOMMAND), focused on the design and development of advanced materials for soldier protection and defense applications.Minimum Qualifications:Ph.D. in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Nanoscience, Chemistry, or a closely related field.Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining advanced instrumentation (MRI, materials characterization, or spectroscopy systems).Proven record of peer-reviewed publications and contributions to research projects in materials science.Strong organizational and project management skills with an ability to work independently and collaboratively.Excellent communication skills for engaging internal and external stakeholders.Preferred Qualifications:Experience with research facility management or laboratory operations.Experience in proposal development and familiarity with federal research funding processes.Prior engagement with defense-related research, particularly in protective materials or soldier-focused technologies.Experience interacting with industry clients and managing academic-industry partnerships.Recruitment Range:Commensurate with ExperienceOrg #-Department:Off of Research Strategic Init - 11520Job Open Date:12/02/2025Job Close Date:01/02/2026Open Until Filled:NoFTE:1.000Type of Appointment:PermanentNumber of Months per Year:12FLSA:ExemptPercentage Of Time:35%Key Responsibility:Oversight of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) FaciityEssential Tasks:Manage day-to-day operations of the UNCG MRI Facility, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient use of equipment.Provide technical expertise and training to faculty, students, and external users in advanced MRI methods for materials characterization.Maintain and calibrate equipment, manage scheduling, and coordinate service contracts and maintenance.Develop and implement operational procedures to optimize facility use and data quality.Percentage Of Time:25%Key Responsibility:Oversight of Facilities Online Manager (FOM) for the Institute for Research TechnologiesEssential Tasks:Serve as the lead administrator for UNCG’s research facilities booking and billing platform (FOM).Engage with local companies, start-ups, and academic institutions to facilitate access to UNCG’s analytical and testing resources.Support user onboarding, billing reconciliation, and data tracking for research productivity metrics.Promote the use of UNCG’s instrumentation and services to enhance regional innovation and partnerships.Percentage Of Time:25%Key Responsibility:Research within the iCOMMAND InstituteEssential Tasks:Conduct independent and collaborative research on materials for soldier protection, focusing on nanomaterials, coatings, and hybrid structures.Publish findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and present research at national and international conferences.Contribute to interdisciplinary research teams that integrate materials science, engineering, and defense-related technologies.Percentage Of Time:15%Key Responsibility:Grant Development and Research FundingEssential Tasks:Identify and pursue funding opportunities from federal agencies (e.g., DoD, NSF, DOE), state programs, and industry partners.Lead or co-author proposals aligned with the mission of the iCOMMAND Institute.Assist in preparing budgets, justifications, and project plans to expand UNCG’s research portfolio in advanced materials.Physical Effort:Hand Movement-Repetitive Motions, Hand Movement-Grasping, Finger Dexterity, Reading, Writing, Hearing, Talking, Standing, Sitting, Lifting-30-60 lbs.