Materials Research Technologist – Metallography and Testing

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 64,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Missouri-Columbia, in collaboration with the MURR facility, seeks a Materials Research Technician to conduct hands-on experiments, prepare specimens, and keep laboratory instruments running. The role reports to the Materials Laboratory Director and follows guidance from the PIE Materials Scientist.

Essential duties include specimen prep, testing and characterization, equipment maintenance, data recording, and safety compliance.

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.

Responsibilities

• Specimen preparation (25%). Section, mount, grind, polish, and etch metallographic and microscopy specimens, including irradiated specimens using shielded or remote handling equipment.
• 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.

Job description

University of Missouri-Columbia, in collaboration with the MURR facility, seeks a Materials Research Technician to conduct hands-on experiments, prepare specimens, and keep laboratory instruments running. The role reports to the Materials Laboratory Director and follows guidance from the PIE Materials Scientist.

Essential duties include specimen prep, testing and characterization, equipment maintenance, data recording, and safety compliance.