Pro Tem Research Assistant/Associate/Postdoc - Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science - Open Pool

University of Oregon; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oregon's Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science (OMQ) seeks qualified applicants for its open research pool. Positions are limited-duration, funded appointments that may be full time, part time, or short term, not to exceed one year, with renewal possible up to three years depending on needs and performance.

Open roles include Research Assistant, Research Associate, or Postdoctoral Scholar.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Physics, or related field.
• Master's degree in Chemistry, Physics, or related field.
• Terminal degree in Chemistry, Physics or related field.

Responsibilities

• Support research under a principal investigator.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds.
• Contribute to research training and dissemination of results.
• Engage with interdisciplinary teams within the center.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written/oral communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Terminal degree

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Optical spectroscopy equipment

Quantum research tools

Job description

Pro Tem Research Assistant/Associate/Postdoc - Optical,Molecular, and Quantum Science - Open Pool

Department: Rsch Ctr Optical Molec Quant Sci

Rank: Research Assistant, Research Associate,Senior Research Associate, Postdoctoral Scholar

Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins: Applications will be reviewed as needs arise

Special Instructions to Applicants:

• A current CV - must highlight research area of interest
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Department Summary

The Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science (OMQ)is an interdisciplinary research center under the Vice Presidentfor Research and Innovation and seeks to promote and facilitateresearch and education in the sciences wherever optics,spectroscopy, quantum science, and the physical investigation ofatomic and molecular processes are involved - in either fundamentalaspects or technological applications. It provides administrativesupport and facilities to assist in carrying out scientificresearch, promotes scientific interactions amongst members and withthe wider academic and industrial research and developmentcommunities. Researchers in the OMQ study the fundamentalinteractions between light and matter-leading to development of newtechnologies to control light and matter with extreme precision ina broad range of applications from enhanced microscopy,spectroscopy, and communications to quantum computing and sensing.Students-undergraduate, Master's and PhD-are involved in allaspects of research at the center. OMQ fosters a collegial andstimulating intellectual environment that promotes the advancement,dissemination, and application of scientific knowledge.

Position Summary

The Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science (OMQ)at the University of Oregon is seeking qualified applicants for itsopen research pool. Positions are limited-duration,funding-contingent research appointments that are full time,part-time or short term, contracts not to exceed one year. There isa possibility of renewal up to a total of three years, depending onprogram needs, funding, and performance. The successful candidatewill have the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, andstudents from a variety of diverse backgrounds.

Examples include research assistants, research associates, orpostdoctoral scholars. Research assistants conduct research underthe direction of a principal investigator; research associatesconduct research with only general guidance; postdoctoral scholarsconduct research under the direction of a faculty member for thepurpose of acquiring research training: research associates conductresearch with only general guidance. Successful candidates willhave the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, andstudents from a variety of diverse backgrounds.

Minimum Requirements

• RESEARCH ASSISTANT (TYPE B): Positions require a bachelor'sdegree in Chemistry, Physics, or related field. In rare occasions,positions in specialized fields may allow for a combination ofeducation and equivalent experience prior to the time of hire tosatisfy the bachelor's degree requirement.
• RESEARCH ASSISTANT (TYPE C): Positions require a master's degreein Chemistry, Physics, or related field. In rare occasions,positions in highly specialized fields may allow for a combinationof education and exceptional equivalent experience prior to thetime of hire to satisfy the master's degree requirement.
• *Ranks for each research assistant type in ascending order aresenior research assistant I and senior research assistant II.
• Research Associate rank or Postdoctoral Scholar:
  • Terminal degree in Chemistry, Physics or related field.
  • Professional experience conducting research in Chemistry, Physicsor related field.
• Senior Research Associate I rank:
  • Terminal degree in Chemistry, Physics, or related field, plus 6years of applicable work experience post-degree.
• Senior Research Associate II rank:
  • Terminal degree in Chemistry, Physics, or related field, plus 12years of applicable work experience post-degree.

Professional Competencies

• Ability to conduct research activities under appropriatesupervision and follow established research protocols.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and studentsfrom a variety of diverse backgrounds.
• Strong analytical, critical‑thinking, and problem‑solvingskills.
• Ability to collect, manage, and analyze research data withaccuracy and attention to detail.
• Effective written and oral communication skills appropriate forresearch and scholarly environments.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as partof an interdisciplinary research team.
• Commitment to maintaining a professional, inclusive, andcollegial research environment.
• Ability to comply with university policies, research compliancerequirements, and applicable safety standards.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills to meet researchproject goals and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior research experience in optical science, spectroscopy,molecular science, quantum science, physics, chemistry, or arelated interdisciplinary field.
• Experience conducting experimental, theoretical, or computational research involving light-matter interactions.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, optical orspectroscopic techniques, or quantum‑related research tools, asapplicable.
• Prior research experience in optical science, spectroscopy,molecular science, quantum science, physics, chemistry, or arelated interdisciplinary field.
• Experience conducting experimental, theoretical, or computational research involving light-matter interactions.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, optical orspectroscopic techniques, or quantum‑related research tools, asapplicable.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting scientific data usingappropriate analytical or computational methods.
• Experience contributing to scholarly publications, presentations,posters, or technical reports.
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary research environmentthat includes students at the undergraduate and graduatelevels.
• For research associate or postdoctoral scholar roles: evidence ofincreasing independence in research activities.
• Experience supporting grant‑funded or contract‑funded researchprojects.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit ourwebsite.

The University of Oregon is an equal‑opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americanswith Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genderexpression, pregnancy (including pregnancy‑related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (includingfamily medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and statelaw), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activitiesand employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicablelaws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listedhere.

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