Research Associate 5

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Job Posting Title:

Research Associate 5

   

Position Type:

Other Academic

   

Department:

LSUAM Science - Department of Chemistry (John Anthony Pojman (00001172))

   

Work Location:

0229 A.R. Choppin Hall - Chemistry

   

Pay Grade:

Other Academic

   

Job Description:

The Shared Laboratory for Macro and Bio-Macromolecular Research (SLMBR), previously known as the Polymer Analysis Laboratory (PAL), includes several systems among which state-of-the-art GPC-MALS for the measurement of absolute mass and size distributions of particles and, macro and bio-macromolecules. Other SLMBR instrumentation includes equipment for light scattering (DLS, SLS), zeta potential analysis, thermal measurements (TGA, DSC), and rheological assessments (rheometer, DMA).

The Research Associate of SLMBR has an essential duty to participate in oversight and maintenance of all instrumentation in the facility to ensure the smooth function of the SLIMBR facility as a university cost center.

Job Duties

• 30% Contributes to overseeing the operation of the SLMBR scientific facility instrumentation. Operates scientific instruments, including GPC-MALS, Zeta Potential, DSC, TGA. Develops data analysis and methods for scientific research experiments for faculty, industrial clients and outside users. Assist in manuscript preparation with respect to data acquisition and interpretation. Supports teaching efforts and supervises work done by facility users when necessary. Analyzes samples for non-authorized users of the above instrumentation.

• 30% Provides technical assistance to faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, research associates, graduate and undergraduate students who wish to use macromolecular equipment. This may include hands-on training and/or development of written, web-deployed or other learning guides. Provides consulting to users, user training, data acquisition, and data reporting and interpretation. Beyond regular user training, other teaching (e.g., guest lectures, special visits to/from lab classes) may be requested that relies on research expertise in polymer and materials characterization.

• 25% Contributes to maintenance efforts for the equipment related to the LSU Macromolecular Studies effort, including but not limited to instruments and computers devoted to the following methods: light scattering and Zeta potential, gel permeation chromatography (GPC-MALS), rheology, viscometry, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical testing.

• 10% Provide support to efforts to develop and maintain contacts through professional activity appropriate at the Ph.D. level, including:
  • writing or contributing to proposals for equipment modernization
  • student training or scientific exploration 
  • methods development and application.

• 5% Creates an attitude of respect and care for instrumentation, and knowledge of its limitations. Provides training in best practice for data security and integrity. Conveys a sense of urgency for all users, especially for students.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Polymer Science, or related field

• LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply. An advanced degree is not required so long the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with operation and maintenance of instrumentation for polymer and polymer solution analysis. This may include GPC-MALS, DSC/TGA, DLS/DLS, DMA, rheometer, etc.

Additional Requirements

Safety and Security Sensitive Job - Safety and security-sensitive positions are defined as those positions where any form of substance abuse may affect University activities through unsafe work behavior/performance or error in judgment; or where substance abuse could jeopardize the safety and well-being of employees, other personnel, or the general public, or cause significant damage to University property. This includes positions requiring firearms, access to controlled substances, handling hazardous material, operating heavy equipment or machinery, etc. These positions are subject to drug