PIE Materials Scientist

University of Missouri - Columbia; New York (NY); On-site; USD 98,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Missouri's MURR invites applications for a PIE Materials Scientist to lead post-irradiation examination work in the new materials lab. You will design test matrices, direct mechanical testing and electron microscopy, interpret results, and act as the main scientific contact for industry and academic partners.

Responsibilities include coordinating lab setup, collaborating with MU faculty and national labs, supervising staff, and contributing to proposals and publications while

Qualifications

• PhD in related field, by start date.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical testing (tensile at minimum) and SEM, including specimen prep.
• Research experience in radiation effects in materials or nuclear materials.

Responsibilities

• Post-irradiation examination and research; plan and perform PIE on irradiated specimens (tensile, hardness, microhardness).
• Laboratory setup: define scope, layout, equipment, write specs and procurement justifications; qualify instruments and write SOPs/QA docs.
• Industry and academic liaison: scope studies, lead proposals, represent MURR at meetings, co-advise students.
• Supervision, reporting and publication: direct technicians, train users, analyze data, write sponsor reports, publish.
• Safety, compliance: work under NRC license and ALARA, prepare documentation, perform related duties.

Skills

Mechanical testing

Scanning electron microscopy

Publications

Science communication

Education

PhD in materials science and engineering

Tools

TEM

FIB lift-out

Atom probe tomography

Job description

Hiring Department

MRR Research & Education

Job Description

The PIE Materials Scientist leads MURR's post-irradiation examination work in the new materials laboratory. The scientist designs test matrices, performs and directs mechanical testing and electron microscopy of irradiated materials, interprets results, and serves as the primary scientific contact for industry and academic partners.

Essential duties (approximate effort)

• Post-irradiation examination and research (30%). Plan and perform PIE on irradiated specimens, including tensile (stress–strain), hardness and microhardness, and, as capabilities grow, fracture toughness, creep, or fatigue testing. Perform SEM, EDS, and EBSD, and TEM or FIB where available, to characterize radiation damage and failure modes.
• Laboratory setup (25%). Working with the Laboratory Director, help define the laboratory's scope, layout, and equipment list and write specifications and procurement justifications. Commission and qualify instruments, including shielded or remote handling for radioactive specimens, and write SOPs and QA documentation suitable for NQA-1 sponsors.
• Industry and academic liaison (25%). Scope studies with industry partners, national laboratories, and MU faculty, including objectives, test matrices, schedules, cost estimates, and statements of work. Lead and contribute to proposals, represent MURR at technical meetings, and co-advise graduate students.
• Supervision, reporting, and publication (10%). Direct the day-to-day work of the Materials Research Technician and train students and visiting users. Analyze data, write sponsor reports, and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Safety, compliance, and other duties (5%). Work under MURR's NRC license and ALARA principles, prepare experiment documentation for review committees, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

• PhD in materials science and engineering, nuclear engineering, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, physics, or a closely related field, conferred by the start date.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with mechanical testing (tensile at minimum) and scanning electron microscopy, including sample preparation.
• Research experience in radiation effects in materials, nuclear materials, or materials for extreme environments.
• Record of peer‑reviewed publications or technical reports.
• Ability to explain technical results clearly to industry and non-specialist audiences.

Shift

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

Minimum Qualifications

Doctoral degree in related/relevant area and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of postdoctoral, national laboratory, or industry experience in nuclear materials.
• Direct PIE experience with neutron-irradiated materials in a hot cell, glovebox, or shielded facility.
• Experience with TEM, FIB lift‑out, atom probe tomography, nanoindentation, or small‑specimen test techniques.
• Experience setting up a new laboratory or commissioning major instruments.
• Familiarity with ASTM mechanical test standards and ASME NQA-1.
• Track record of funded proposals with DOE, NSUF, NEUP, or industry sponsors, and a professional network in the advanced reactor or nuclear materials community.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $97,552 - $136,656 per year

Grade: GGS M14

University Title: Research Scientist

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

Application Materials

1. Cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in helping build a new laboratory.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae and a full publication list
3. A statement (two pages maximum) describing a research and partnership vision for irradiated materials research at MURR.
4. Names and contact information for three professional references.

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.