Staff Scientist

Department
 

PME Galli 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
 

PME is seeking a Staff Scientist to participate in and manage research projects focused on carrying out first-principles simulations of materials, focusing on defects and interfaces and encompassing structural and vibrational properties and electronic properties. The candidate will also help supervise students and PDs dedicated to the properties of study materials and is expected to collaborate with experimentalists.

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 simulations and data analysis. 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 lab, PME, and UChicago.
• Manages various special projects, some of which may have organizational impact.
• 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.
• 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.
• Collaborates on the development of new research projects with academic and community-based organizations.
• May present work at scientific meetings.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

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Work Experience:

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

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Doctoral degree with an established track record in chemistry, physics, or engineering.

Experience:

• Significant work experience after the doctorate; postdoc experience.
• Possess experience in a research laboratory, preferably on an independent project.
• Conduct wet or dry lab work in a research laboratory, preferably in an independent project.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of immunology is a plus but not required; a desire to learn.
• Strong computer programming and instrumentation interface skills in Python and C programming languages.
• Strong computer skills, including calendaring, document management (e.g., Dropbox, Box, etc.), word processing, database management, and spreadsheet skills.
• Knowledge of statistical/analytical software.
• Familiarity with grant writing/submission and manuscript drafting, editing, and review.
• Familiarity with report writing/submission and manuscript drafting, editing, and review.
• Advanced knowledge of computer programming and coding languages.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated problem-solving, organization and coordination skills.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills and handle multiple, concurrent t