Research Scientist - Materials Science at InsideHigherEd

Position Number:998012Functional Title:Research Scientist - Materials SciencePosition 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 the 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 Research Scientist – Materials Science will lead and advance the operations of the Materials Test Center within the Institute for Research Technologies. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing advanced materials testing facilities, advising and training students, and participating in interdisciplinary research focused on protective materials for defense and human safety applications. This position also supports the University’s Protective Materials for Soldier Empowerment (ProMISE) initiative, which is an emerging research area focused on developing next-generation materials and testing strategies for enhanced protection and performance.Minimum Qualifications:Ph.D. in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Nanoscience, Chemistry, or a related discipline.Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining analytical and materials testing instrumentation.Proven record of peer-reviewed research publications and successful laboratory instruction or training.Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.Commitment to safety, compliance, and mentorship of students and staff.Preferred Qualifications:Experience in managing or operating a shared research facility or core instrumentation lab.Background in defense-related materials, composites, coatings, or structural performance testing.Experience in training diverse users on scientific equipment and laboratory safety.Experience preparing or managing federally funded research proposals.Recruitment Range:Commensurate with ExperienceOrg #-Department:Off of Research Strategic Init - 11520Job Open Date:12/02/2025Open Until Filled:YesFTE:1.000Type of Appointment:PermanentNumber of Months per Year:12FLSA:ExemptPercentage Of Time:35%Key Responsibility:Management of Materials Test CenterEssential Tasks:Oversee daily operations of the Materials Test Center, ensuring efficient use, safety, and compliance of all materials testing and characterization instruments.Provide technical support and coordinate maintenance, calibration, and performance monitoring of equipment.Manage user access, safety procedures, and operational documentation in alignment with institutional policies.Develop and implement best practices to improve facility performance and ensure long-term sustainability.Percentage Of Time:25%Key Responsibility:Advising and Training on Analytical InstrumentationEssential Tasks:Advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students conducting research that utilizes analytical and materials testing instruments.Provide hands-on training and certification for faculty, staff, and students on the proper use of instruments housed within the Materials Test Center.Deliver safety training and ensure compliance with environmental health and safety regulations for all users.Collaborate with academic programs to support course-based and experiential learning activities that utilize the Center’s instrumentation.Maintain training records, develop instructional materials, and contribute to educational outreach to expand the Center’s role in student success.Percentage Of Time:25%Key Responsibility:Research in Protective materials and Advanced TestingEssential Tasks:Conduct independent and collaborative research on advanced materials for protective, structural, and high-performance applications.Contribute to the ProMISE initiative through experimentation, analysis, and publication of impactful research findings.Publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at scientific conferences, and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations.Supervise research staff, postdoctoral fellows, and students working on materials-related projects.Percentage Of Time:15%Key Responsibility:Proposal and Grant DevelopmentEssential Tasks:Identify funding opportunities aligned with materials testing, defense innovation, and protective technologies.Prepare and contribute to competitive grant proposals, technical reports, and budgets.Develop partnerships with industry, national laboratories, and federal agencies to advance the research and mission of the Materials Test Center.Support the University’s broader goals of expanding externally funded research and growing the sponsored research portfolio.Other duties as neededPhysical Effort:Hand Movement-Repetitive Motions, Hand Movement-Grasping, Finger Dexterity, Reading, Writing, Eye-hand coordination, Hearing, Talking, Standing, Lifting-30-60 lbs.