Research Scientist

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

Position Description

The position of Research Scientist I within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.  The primary responsibilities will encompass: 1) Conducting experimental research in the field of analytical chemistry; 2) Providing managerial oversight and research guidance and training, not only to bachelor's-level chemists but also to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with a focus on imparting best practices in research methods and instrumentation; 3) Supporting research proposals for submission to external funding sources, including federal agencies and private foundations, and subsequently managing the awarded grants in partnership with Sponsored Programs.

 

Chemistry is often referred to as the central science, bridging the gap between physics and biology and underpinning many of the other scientific disciplines. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry serves the State of Mississippi and the nation by providing undergraduate and graduate students educational excellence in chemical sciences, conducting research that contributes to new knowledge, and catalyzing economic development.  We aspire to be a leading force for advancing society through the continuous pursuit of educational excellence and cutting-edge research in the traditional areas of chemistry (physical, analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and chemical education) as well as exciting new collaborative areas such as renewable energy, astrochemistry, and nanomaterials. We are a complex department with 24 full-time faculty, approximately 50 graduate students, and 4 undergraduate majors. The department is highly collaborative, sharing interests and expertise, and faculty hold multiple externally-funded grants to conduct state-of-the-art research.  

 

 

Position Details

Appointment:12 month

 

The Research Scientist I in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry plays a critical role in advancing analytical chemistry research while providing leadership and mentorship within the laboratory environment. The position is responsible for designing and executing experimental research, developing new analytical methodologies, and supporting the Nano-Bio Immunoengineering Consortium’s (NIEC). In addition to leading scientific inquiry, this role provides research guidance and professional development for undergraduate chemists, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. The Research Scientist I also collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams, offering expertise in analytical instrumentation, troubleshooting, and experimental design, and supports the development of best practices in laboratory operations and compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

A Ph.D. and two years of related experience.

 

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Examples of Work Performed

• Works closely and proactively with the P.I., Department Chair, and Operations Manager to efficiently and effectively direct the Tanner Lab and the NIEC Consortium (https://chemistry.olemiss.edu).
• Design and conduct analytical chemistry experiments using instruments such as HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, and ICP-MS to support departmental and consortium research projects.
• Troubleshoot, calibrate, and maintain complex analytical instruments to ensure consistent and accurate experimental results.
• Develop and document new analytical methodologies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory users.
• Mentor and train undergraduate chemists, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers in research methods, instrument operation, and best laboratory practices through weekly one-on-one and group meetings.
• Coordinate the scheduling, maintenance, and user access for Core Facility instrumentation valued at approximately $2 million.
• Draft technical content for grant proposals, including experimental plans, instrumentation descriptions, and preliminary data, using Microsoft Office, ChemDraw, and OriginLab.
• Collaborate with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to prepare and submit grant proposals using electronic research administration systems like Cayuse and Grants.gov.
• Monitor and manage awarded research grant budgets using institutional financial systems such as SAP, ensuring compliance with expenditure guidelines and reporting deadlines.
• Prepare and submit progress reports and financial reports for federal agencies (e.g