Staff Scientist

Department

PME Mason Lab

About the Department

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME: https://pme.uchicago.edu/) 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 Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) is seeking a Staff Scientist to lead research on low-temperature transport measurements of quantum materials in the Mason Lab. The Mason Lab specializes in experimental studies of quantum materials, with a research focus on the electronic properties of nanoscale and correlated systems, such as graphene, topological junctions, and nanostructured superconductors.

The Staff Scientist will support research that is relevant to applications involving nanoscale and quantum computing elements. Typical projects include: (i) Fabricating strain-superlattices in graphene to generate pseudomagnetic fields , (ii) Studying emergent transport behavior of hybrid systems, e.g., superconductor-graphene, superconductor-topological insulator, superconductor-magnetic, and (iii) Creating planar arrays of superconducting islands, to control and understand collective phenomena in them. The ideal candidate will closely partner with the faculty to plan, oversee, and execute all aspects of the project, including identifying the need for innovation and developing or incorporating advances in research concepts to help disseminate the results of research projects. In addition, the role will include student supervision.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates and promotes advanced technical/scientific research projects, including research on low-temperature transport measurements of quantum materials. Recognizes the need for innovation and develops or incorporates advances in research concepts to help disseminate results.
• Collaborates and coordinates with other researchers in the group in joint research efforts.
• Builds relationships crucial to the success of the Mason Lab, PME, and UChicago.
• Manages complex data sets for research.
• Trains new laboratory personnel.
• Collaborates closely with the research team to disseminate research methods to support or advance their research.
• Collaborates on the development of new research projects.
• Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage complex data sets for research.
• Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.
• 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 with an established track record in physics, materials science, quantum engineering, or related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of three years of significant work experience after the doctorate; postdoc experience.
• Possess experience in nanofabrication in a clean room, preferably in an independent project.
• Background in experimental optics and photonics, preferably in an independent project.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Strong computer programming and instrumentation interface skills in Python and C programming languages.
• Strong computer skills, including calendaring, document management (Dropbox, Box, etc.), word processing, database management, and spreadsheet skills.
• Knowledge of simulation and computer aided design software.
• Familiarity with manuscript drafting, editing and review.
• Familiarity with report writing/submission.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated 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.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Research Statement/Cover Letter (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

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$65,000.00 - $85,000.00

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.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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