CALIT2 Project Scientist

The Project Scientist will make significant and creative contributions to research initiatives through expert application of advanced microscopy techniques. Drawing on extensive experience in electron microscopy and focused ion beam (FIB) systems, the candidate will:

Collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students to design and execute complex experiments involving electron microscopy and FIB methodologies.

Develop and optimize sample preparation strategies such as creation of lamella with FIB, ensuring data quality and experimental reliability.

Operate and maintain advanced electron microscopes FIBs, troubleshoot technical issues, and contribute to the continuous development of lab protocols.

Characterize a wide range of materials, interpret results, and assist in integrating findings into broader research objectives.

In addition to research contributions, the Project Scientist will engage in University and public service by:

Providing hands-on training and mentorship to graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and other lab users in advanced microscopy and sample preparation techniques.

Supporting the development of instructional materials and user guides to enhance facility access and safety.

Participating in outreach efforts and workshops that promote interdisciplinary research and foster broader community engagement with cutting-edge materials science instrumentation.

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a closely related field.

Minimum of 3 years of postdoctoral or equivalent experience using advanced electron microscopy (e.g., TEM, SEM) and FIB systems.

Demonstrated expertise in preparing high-quality lamella samples using focused ion beam techniques.

Proven ability to design and carry out complex experiments involving nanoscale imaging and analysis.

Experience interpreting data from EDS, EELS, diffraction, and other characterization tools integrated with electron microscopy.

Strong troubleshooting skills with electron microscopes and vacuum-based instrumentation.

Hands-on experience developing or improving lab protocols for microscopy workflows and sample preparation.

Ability to train and mentor graduate students, postdocs, and other users in microscopy techniques and lab safety.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing technical documentation and reports.

Commitment to collaborative research and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.

Experience managing or coordinating a shared microscopy facility or core lab environment.

Track record of contributing to successful grant proposals or published research involving microscopy or FIB-based characterization.

Background in materials characterization for specific applications (e.g., energy materials, biomaterials, semiconductors, or nanostructures).

Applicants will participate in reference checking via Skill Survey, which is a third party anonymous platform for soliciting performance feedback from current or previous managers and peers.

The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission (https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement) is a preferred qualification.

We seek to hire scholars who will both advance our research directions and effectively educate our undergraduate and graduate students, while also engaging with University and Professional service activities. Research and teaching statements that are included with application materials are opportunities for candidates to share knowledge, experience, and goals that support the mission of UCR. For more information on UC's criteria for successful faculty, refer to the Academic Personnel Manual (APM) 210 - Criteria for Appointment, Promotion, and Appraisal (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-210.pdf).

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, State, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer. A Misconduct Disclosure Survey will be completed through Truescreen, which is the vendor that administers this process for the campus.

For the University of California's Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy please visit:

https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy, please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.