Research Scientist - Materials Research Laboratory

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition waivers

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks a Research Scientist to lead and expand research in the characterization and testing of structural materials for extreme environments. You will develop an externally funded program addressing mechanical behavior, irradiation effects, phase transformations, and materials design, partnering with facilities like electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction.

The role includes mentoring students, coordinating collaborations, and contributing to high-impact

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in materials-related field.
• 5+ years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Strong publication record in advanced characterization or related areas.
• Proven success in securing externally funded research proposals.
• Ability to lead independent research and collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-level R&D on structural alloy resilience under extreme degradation modes.
• Lead sponsored research projects and deliver technical reports for sponsors.
• Develop and submit competitive external funding proposals and coordinate collaborators.
• Maintain and advance laboratory facilities, equipment, and safety practices.
• Collaborate within a large research group and establish external partnerships.
• Mentor undergraduate/graduate students and provide instrument training.

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related field

Tools

Electron microscopy

X-ray diffraction

Scanning probe microscopy

Nanofabrication facilities

Job description

Research Scientist

Materials Research Laboratory

The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Materials Research Laboratory (MRL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to lead and expand research in characterization and testing of structural materials for extreme environments. The Research Scientist will develop an externally funded research program addressing mechanical behavior, irradiation effects, phase transformations, and materials design and synthesis, focusing on challenges in energy, transportation, manufacturing, or other demanding service environments.

The successful candidate will become a member of the dedicated staff of approximately 20 scientists and engineers, who maintain major research instruments in the MRL's core facilities for electron microscopy, battery fabrication and characterization facilities, soft materials characterization, scanning probe microscopy, laser and optical spectroscopy, surface analysis, x-ray diffraction, and nanofabrication facilities including two cleanrooms. Approximately 1,000 researchers from across our campus as well as other academic institutions, industry, and national laboratories use the facilities, logging more than 100,000 user hours annually. The lab is recognized as one of the premier mid-sized user facilities in the nation. For details, please visit us online at https://mrl.illinois.edu/facilities/.

Specific duties and responsibilities include:

• Perform high-level research and development in structural alloy resilience under extreme degradation modes; publish high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship and disseminate results through conference presentations and professional engagement.
• Lead sponsored research projects in structural materials in extreme environments; prepare technical reports and other deliverables for sponsors.
• Develop, lead, and submit competitive research proposals to various funding agencies; contribute to proposal conceptualization and ideation, gap identification and background knowledge, developing research and evaluation plans, team building, and coordinating contributions from collaborators.
• Maintain and advance relevant laboratory facilities, equipment, safety practices, and experimental capabilities.
• Collaborate effectively within a large research group and across interdisciplinary teams; establish external research partnerships and contribute to the development of new research directions and collaborations.
• Contribute to mentorship and training of undergraduate and/or graduate students, including instrument-specific training, results interpretation, and professional skills development.
• Perform other related research duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related field.
• 5 or more years of postdoctoral or other post-Ph.D. research experience.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in advanced characterization, mechanical behavior, irradiation effects, or related areas.
• Demonstrated success in developing and securing externally sponsored research proposals.
• Demonstrate the ability to lead independent research, manage multiple priorities, communicate effectively with sponsors and collaborators, and work productively in a collaborative research environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Experience managing laboratory equipment, experimental programs, or research personnel.
• Expertise in advanced electron microscopy techniques, irradiation effects and nuclear materials, fracture or deformation mechanisms analysis, and/or alloy synthesis and manufacturing.
• Familiarity with practices and organizational structures of large public universities.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION:

This is an Academic Professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is approximately January 16, 2027. The budgeted salary range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position is eligible for work authorization sponsorship. The individual hired in this position is expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinoisishometoavibrantcommunityof59,000studentsfromall50statesand129countries,supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students,fuelingbreakthroughinnovation,orstrengtheningcommunitiesacrossIllinoisandbeyond,your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefitspackagedesignedtosupportyourwell-being,growth,andfinancialsecurity.Joinatop10public university that has launchedover 330startupsandcontinues to redefineexcellence -where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].

TheUniversityofIllinoismustalsocomplywithapplicablefederalexportcontrollawsandregulationsand, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.