Surface Analysis Research Specialist

Cornell University; Ithaca (MI); On-site; USD 83,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite location in Ithaca

Health care options

Vacation & holidays

Education benefits

Job summary

The Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) on the Ithaca campus seeks a Surface Analysis Research Specialist to advance XPS and related surface analyses, train users, and support instrument development. Ideal candidates hold a Master’s in materials science or a related field with 3–5 years in XPS and microscopy; PhD preferred.

The role emphasizes collaboration, hands-on training, and ensuring data quality.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in materials science, physical science, engineering, or similar; 3–5 years’ experience with XPS and related surface analysis techniques
• Demonstrated strong work ethic, self-motivation, and ability to work independently or collaboratively
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; training researchers and engaging facility users

Responsibilities

• Train researchers on safe and proper use of instrumentation
• Develop new protocols and procedures in XPS, electron microscopy, AFM, confocal microscopy
• Perform analyses for off-campus users and compile research reports
• Develop instrument use SOPs and lab safety protocols
• Document procedures via training sessions, online docs, and video tutorials
• Collaborate with instrument vendors to upgrade capabilities
• Monitor equipment usage, maintenance, and inventory for accounting and safety
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and procure supplies

Skills

XPS

Profilometry

Electron microscopy

AFM / Scanned probe microscopy

Confocal microscopy

Data analysis

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's degree in materials science/physical science/engineering

PhD in materials science/physical science/engineering (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) has an immediate opening for a Surface Analysis Research Specialist (job class Research Support Specialist III). This position serves as a vital member of CCMR’s team of experts supporting fundamental materials research in our core facility on the Ithaca campus. CCMR encourages applications from individuals who have the skills and desire to enable cutting-edge research and train the next generation of researchers.

The successful candidate will bring advanced training in a relevant discipline (e.g., materials science, physical science, or engineering) and experience with X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and related surface analysis techniques. A self-motivated work ethic along with excellent communications and interpersonal skills will be critical to success in this role. The position is ideal for someone who enjoys collaborating with others and who can adeptly operate scientific instrumentation, optimize sample analyses, and prioritize multiple, changing tasks.

The Role

As Surface Analysis Research Specialist, you will directly support surface analysis techniques, primarily XPS (Xray photoemission spectroscopy) and profilometry, but also other techniques such as electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, spectroscopy, or focused ion beam. You will develop analytical techniques, find creative solutions to research requests, and upgrade and troubleshoot instrumentation. Along with other team members, you will work closely with facility users to plan measurements and provide hands‑on training.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Training researchers on safe and proper use of moderately complex instrumentation, ensuring acquisition of high-quality data
• Developing new protocols and procedures in XPS, electron microscopy, scanned probe microscopy, confocal microscopy, and more.
• Performing analyses for off‑campus users and compiling research summary reports
• Developing instrument use (standard operating procedures) and lab safety protocols
• Documenting and disseminating procedures via training sessions, online documentation, and video tutorials
• Working with instrument vendors to improve or update instrument capabilities
• Monitoring records of equipment usage and maintenance for accounting, safety, and billing purposes
• Performing routine preventative maintenance tasks and procuring inventory, supplies, and maintenance items

As part of the Cornell community, you will help foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

About Us

The Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) supports fundamental materials research and serves students, scientists, and researchers from Cornell and other academic, government, or industry researchers from around the world. This vibrant and active facility of shared instrumentation is overseen by expert facility staff who maintain instruments, train the next generation of materials researchers, and analyze samples as a service for offsite customers.

When evaluating your candidacy, we will look for evidence of the following:

• Master’s degree in materials science, physical science, engineering, or similar discipline and 3–5 years’ experience with XPS (x‑ray photoemission spectroscopy) and related surface analysis techniques, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
• Demonstrated strong work ethic and self‑motivation
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively with others
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Desire to enable cutting‑edge research and train the next generation of researchers
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members

Additionally, although not required, we would like to see clear evidence of:

• Ph.D. in materials science, physical science, engineering, or similar discipline
• Experience with atomic force microscopy and related techniques, such as force imaging, piezo‑force microscopy, electric‑force microscopy, or magnetic force microscopy
• Strong organizational skills and supervisory experience

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is located in Ithaca, New York on the campus of Cornell University. Cornell receives national recognition as an award‑winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions, we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell.
• Cornell’s impressive educational benefits include tuition‑free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell.

University Job Title:

Research Support Spec III

Job Family:

Academic Support

Level:

G

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$82,735.00 - $97,834.00

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Endowed

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non‑Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non‑union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

EEO Statement:

Cornellwelcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “… any person … any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-10-05