Core Scientist

Department: WCAS Chemistry

Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Job Summary:

This scientist position in the Integrated Molecular Structure Education and Research Center (IMSERC) in the Department of Chemistry at Northwestern.

It is a full-time hybrid position (37.5 hours), working under the IMSERC Director with most days expected to be on-site (about 10-25% work-from-home capability). The target hiring range for this position will be between $70,017 - $98,462 per year.  Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Responsible for the completion of research projects within the Core Facility. Provides services and consultation researchers and investigators to facilitate the development and execution of high-quality single crystal diffraction, powder diffraction, thermal analysis data, and X-ray fluorescence data collection and analysis, as well as training to researchers and investigators.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Maintains clear and accurate documentation of the protocols, instrumentation logs, and/or data collected.

• Maintains established laboratory inventories.

• Places orders of necessary reagents, chemicals and materials/consumables.

• Records Reports work accurately and completely to various stakeholders and can clearly discsuss results with researchers.

• May contribute to grant writing for new instrumentation and equipment.

• Develops Supports the Core Director and Subject Director for cost analyses and quotes.

• Assists with administrative duties necessary for a fee-for-service facility operation such as collecting and/ or entering facility billing data.

• Utilizes established safety practices, and is responsible for providing a safe work environment for fellow employees and clients.

Collaboration/Strategy

• Participates in strategy-setting for the future direction and needs of the Core.

• Have a collaborative mindset and Provides specific and actionable feedback during the goal-setting processes.

• Demonstrates a sound, working knowledge of techniques in other laboratories in order to provide cross-over assistance to clients.

• Demonstrates a sound, working knowledge of single crystal diffraction, powder diffraction, thermal analysis data, and X-ray fluorescence techniques to other laboratories in order to provide cross-over assistance to clients.

• Organizes in-house and/ or off-site training related to Core activities.

• Develops and delivers Supports Directors for presentations, seminars, and workshops.

• Networks with key decision-makers within the research community (both internal and external to the University).

• Capable of representing IMSERC at training sessions and research conferences.

Data Analysis

• Performs literature reviews to develop quantitative and qualitative powder diffraction, thermal analysis, and X-ray fluorescence methods for the purposes of furthering the research.

• May contribute data analysis for researchers, using specialized software in a form useful for further statically analysis or publications.

• Generates, collects, and analyzes data and has familiarity with single crystal diffraction, powder diffraction, thermal analysis, and X-ray fluorescence data analysis software (e.g CrysAlisPro, WinXPow, X-area, Olex2, Proteus, Trios, ZSC Guidance, GSAS-II .etc).

• Develops new analysis techniques and methodologies.

Technical

• Develops Applies complex and relevant science to Core technologies and applications.

• Utilizes advances knowledge of applications, principles, theories, and concepts to design and troubleshoot projects for the research community.

• Troubleshoots problems with procedures and equipment, and suggests adjustments to protocols.

• Works on advanced problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.

• Exercises judgement within defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques.

• Develops training protocols relative to advanced instrumentation Trains Core staff and clients in advanced instrument operation and applications. May deliver that training to Core staff and clients.

• Develops quantitative and qualitative powder diffraction, thermal analysis data, and X-ray fluorescence methods based on researchers' and investigators' needs

• Utilizes state-of-the-art methods, principles, and concepts to design highly sensitive and robust methods for multiple projects.

• Exercises judgement on the use of the most appropriate methods and techniques within a hybrid walk-up/service Core facility

• Troubleshoots various powder diffraction instruments (STOE Stadi instruments), thermal analysis instruments (Netzsch and TA), and X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (Rigaku Primus) finally, utilizes best practices to minimize instrument downtime.

Supervision

• Develops training protocols, in collaboration with the Subject Director and other team members, for the successful use of various powder diffraction, thermal analysis, and X-ray fluorescence instruments and data analysis workflows in a hybrid walk-up/service Core facility.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 4 years of relevant domain expertise.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

• Data presentation skills;

• Experimental design ability;

• Ability to work as part of a project team.

• Perform quantitative and qualitative X-ray fluorescence methods.Perform and develop thermal analysis methods (TGA and DSC).

• Perform powder diffraction data collection and data analysis.

• Perform single crystal diffraction data collection and data analysis.

• Train new users on single crystal diffractometers, powder diffractometers, thermal analysis instruments, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometers.

• Support advanced undergraduate education in instrumental analysis chemistry labs.

• Experience using chemicals, including organic solvents, strong acids, and bases.

• Must be able to operate and maintain common laboratory equipment (e.g. analytical balances, pipets, gas tanks, liquid nitrogen tanks).

• Computer proficiency.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 - 2 years of XRD expertise or similar and capable of following sample preparation for XRD and is open to expanding their expertise in other XRD-based methods (Single Crystal and powder).

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemistry or Biology or similarly applicable field to position duties

• Experience in an academic lab

• Hands-on experience with X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and x-ray fluorescence

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Familiar with Unix and Windows operating systems

• Experience with single crystal and powder diffraction sample preparation

• Experience with thermal analysis sample preparation.

• Experience developing quantitative and qualitative X-ray fluorescence data collection and analysis.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

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Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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