Polymer Research Technician - Lab Instrumentation & Data

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Generous time off

Regents Tuition Benefit Program

Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a dedicated research lab professional to join a faculty lab in Kolthoff Hall under Prof. Marc Hillmyer.

The role focuses on polymer characterization, lab equipment maintenance, and data collection alongside a team of researchers. Responsibilities include leading instrumentation support, SOP development, safety protocol enforcement, and preparing summaries and literature reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering or related college courses and work experience in a laboratory setting totaling at least four years in combination.
• Advanced degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science.
• Experience with carrying out laboratory research in the molecular, morphological, and mechanical characterization of polymers or related experience in adjacent fields.
• Experience with ring-open metathesis of cyclic olefins in the presence of chain transfer agents, and hydrogenation of the product to telechelic polyolefin, using high pressure reactors.
• Experience with research instrumentation operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Scientific writing experience (research summaries, manuscripts for submission to journals) is also desirable.

Responsibilities

• 50%: Laboratory work involving modern polymer characterization. Maintaining lab equipment. Manifest chemical waste. Troubleshoot instrumentation. Work with undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers to acquire needed data.
• 30%: Lead group contacts and experts on research instrumentation support, maintenance, and repair, including training of other researchers.
• 10%: Assist in laboratory safety protocols and the development of standard operating procedures.
• 10%: Write/discuss summaries of findings. Assist in literature review and grant proposal preparation. Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Advanced degree

Polymer characterization

RO metathesis / high-pressure reactors

Research instrumentation maintenance

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering or related lab experience totaling at least four years

Job description

The University of Minnesota is seeking a dedicated research lab professional to join a faculty lab in Kolthoff Hall under Prof. Marc Hillmyer.

The role focuses on polymer characterization, lab equipment maintenance, and data collection alongside a team of researchers. Responsibilities include leading instrumentation support, SOP development, safety protocol enforcement, and preparing summaries and literature reviews.