Research Scientist

University of Texas; Utah; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin seeks a Research Scientist in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering to advance materials research for rechargeable batteries and fuel cells. Leading development and evaluation of new materials, you will contribute to funded proposals and mentor graduate students on cutting-edge projects.

With a strong emphasis on collaboration across disciplines, the role supports the department's mission to push technological boundaries while training the next

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in materials science and engineering or a related field is required.
• Demonstrated experience in materials synthesis, characterization, cell assembly, electrochemical evaluation, and structure-property relationships.
• Ability to work effectively with students and postdoctoral fellows.

Responsibilities

• Research on materials development and analysis.
• Preparing progress reports for funded proposals.
• Develop research proposals.
• Train and mentor students.

Education

PhD in materials science and engineering or related field

Job description

Job Posting Title: Research Scientist

Hiring Department

Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details

General Notes As a top-10 engineering school with the No. 1 program in Texas, the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century. With 11 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs, over 20 research centers and a faculty community that boasts one of the highest number of National Academy of Engineering members among U.S. universities, Texas Engineering has launched some of the nation’s most accomplished leaders and pioneered world-changing solutions in virtually every industry, from space exploration to energy to health care. Situated in the heart of Austin — named “America’s Coolest City” by Expedia and “The Best Place to Live in the U.S.” by U.S. News and World Report — the Cockrell School embodies the city’s innovative spirit. Major companies with Austin campuses, such as Dell, National Instruments, Apple, IBM, Samsung, Google, and many others, continue to recruit Cockrell School students at a remarkable rate, launching thousands of successful careers and developing Texas Engineers into industry leaders.

Purpose

The purpose of this position is to carry out advanced scientific research in the area of rechargeable batteries and fuel cells, involving new materials development and evaluation. To develop research proposals for acquiring funding from external sources. To train and mentor graduate students.

Responsibilities

• Research on materials development and analysis
• Preparing progress reports for funded proposals
• Develop research proposals
• Train and mentor students

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in materials science and engineering or in a related science and engineering field.
• Demonstrated experience through published work in materials synthesis, characterization, cell assembly, electrochemical evaluation, and structure-property relationships.
• Ability to work well with students and postdoctoral fellows.
• Experience in developing research proposals for funding from federal agencies and industry.
• Ability to manage and lead external engagement and collaboration on projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track record in the area of materials for batteries and fuel cells, demonstrated through journal articles in high-impact journals.
• Successfully received funding from external sources for previous research proposals.
• Experience in an industry setting focused on applied research.
• Experience in working with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, along with a demonstrable ability to reach a broad range of audiences in academia, industry, and government.

Salary

Salary Range $90,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work in standard office conditions
• May require repetitive use of keyboard at a workstation
• May require use of manual dexterity
• May work around chemicals
• May work around electrical and mechanical hazards
• Lifting and moving

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

Employment Eligibility: Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF] E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF] Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world.

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