Materials Research Technician

University of Missouri - Columbia; New York (NY); On-site; USD 64,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Materials Research Technician at the University of Missouri conducts hands-on experiments in the new materials laboratory, preparing and testing specimens and keeping instruments running. The technician reports to the Materials Laboratory Director and works with the PIE Materials Scientist on day-to-day direction.

Responsibilities include metallographic prep, mechanical testing, SEM/EDS operation, data recording, and maintaining QA records while following ALARA and chemical hygiene

Qualifications

• BS in materials science, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, or a related field.
• Hands-on laboratory experience, such as metallographic sample preparation, mechanical testing, or microscopy.
• Careful, documented work habits and the ability to follow detailed written procedures.

Responsibilities

• Specimen preparation (25%). Section, mount, grind, polish, and etch metallographic and microscopy specimens.
• Testing and characterization (35%). Run tensile and hardness tests, operate the SEM and related instruments.
• Laboratory operations (20%). Install/commission new equipment; maintain consumables and inventory.
• Data and documentation (10%). Record test data, perform first-level data reduction, maintain notebooks.
• Safety and compliance (10%). Follow radiation safety and chemical hygiene practices; waste handling.

Skills

Hands-on lab

Metallography

Mechanical testing

Microscopy

Education

BS in materials science

Metallurgy

Related field

Tools

SEM

EDS

Remote handling equipment

Job description

Hiring Department

MRR Research & Education

Job Description

The Materials Research Technician conducts hands‑on experiments in the new materials laboratory, preparing and testing specimens and keeping instruments running. The technician reports to the Materials Laboratory Director and takes day‑to‑day direction from the PIE Materials Scientist.

Essential duties (approximate effort)

• Specimen preparation (25%). Section, mount, grind, polish, and etch metallographic and microscopy specimens, including irradiated specimens using shielded or remote handling equipment. Machine or prepare test coupons to drawing.
• Testing and characterization (35%). Run tensile and hardness tests, operate the SEM and related instruments, and perform other experiments to written test plans and ASTM methods.
• Laboratory operations (20%). Help install and commission new equipment. Perform routine maintenance and calibration, manage consumables and inventory, and track samples with chain‑of‑custody records.
• Data and documentation (10%). Record test data and observations, perform first‑level data reduction, and maintain laboratory notebooks and QA records.
• Safety, compliance, and other duties (10%). Follow radiation safety, ALARA, and chemical hygiene practices, support radioactive material transfers and waste handling, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

• BS in materials science, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, or a related field.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience, such as metallographic sample preparation, mechanical testing, or microscopy, through coursework, research, internship, or employment.
• Careful, documented work habits and the ability to follow detailed written procedures.

Shift

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in related/relevant area and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more years of experience in a materials testing or characterization laboratory.
• SEM operation experience, including EDS.
• Experience working with radioactive materials or in a radiological controlled area.
• Machining or shop experience.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $64,168 to $89,856 per year

Grade: GGS M11

University Title: MURR Research Specialist

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Other Information

A life‑saving operation in the middle of America — the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) — needs you to help guide its future. MURR is expanding its critical cancer‑fighting and medical isotope production.

MURR’s reactor is the highest‑power university research reactor in the United States, operating at 10 megawatts, 6.5 days a week and 52 weeks a year. The MURR facility enables research across many disciplines – From investigating ancient cultures and how plants respond to their environment, to analyzing industrial materials and developing radiopharmaceuticals that have lifesaving clinical applications. The MURR facility is a reliable resource for researchers, scientists, engineers and students across the country.

Be a part of the future of fighting cancer and saving lives.

Be a part of MURR

Community Information

Columbia offers small‑town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big‑city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short‑ and long‑term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573‑884‑7278.