Staff Scientist

Department

PSD Geophysical Sciences: Administration and Staff

About the Department

The Department of the Geophysical Sciences provides a vibrant venue in which scientists carry out research across several broad subject areas that span the past, present, and future evolution of the Earth, its life, and its cosmic environment. We pride ourselves in the innovative and interdisciplinary research of highly accomplished faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates, all of whom push the boundaries of their respective fields. The Department supports a PhD program in Geophysical Sciences while offering undergraduate degrees in both Geophysical Sciences and Environmental Science and a master’s degree in Environmental Science. These programs allow students to discover, learn, and share knowledge about the natural processes that have and continue to shape our world and other planetary bodies. The Department is committed to fostering an environment where individuals from all backgrounds can grow and become the unique scientists they wish to be.

Job Summary

The Department of Geophysical Sciences at the University of Chicago invites applications for a Staff Scientist position, working on physicochemical characterization of stratospheric aerosols with Professor Mingyi Wang. This project aims to investigate chemical mechanisms of aerosol nucleation and aging under the stratosphere conditions, characterize aerosol composition, mixing state, and optical properties, and derive accurate process-level parameterizations for integration into models. The staff scientist will be responsible for designing and executing controlled lab experiments, operating and maintaining state-of-the-art instrumentation, developing numerical models to interpret experimental data, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
The expected start date is July 01, 2025

Responsibilities

• Design and execute controlled flow tube and smog chamber experiments
• Operate and maintain lab equipment, including mass spectrometer, particle sizing instrument, and gas analyzers
• Develop numerical models to interpret experimental data
• Provided support and supervision to graduate and undergraduate students to ensure compliance with experimental QA/QC and laboratory safety standards
• Keep organized written documentation of instrument logs, maintenance, and SOPs
• Performs experiments and collects and analyzes data.
• Participates in the promotion of a research project
• Participates in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports, and co-authors/authors scientific research manuscripts. Provides peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
• Perform other duties and projects as needed

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• PhD in Atmospheric Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields

Experience:

• A minimum of three years of postdoctoral experience or equivalent
• Expertise in mass spectrometry and other aerosol measurement techniques
• Experience with aerosol optical modeling
• A strong track record of independent research and scientific communication

Preferred Competencies

• Mentoring and teaching junior group members
• Work autonomously, and without detailed instructions
• Takes initiative to optimize laboratory protocols and workflows
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Willingness and ability to learn new skills
• Foster an inclusive and positive learning environment for all students

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter which is to include your interest in this position (required)
• List of three professional references (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

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No