Technical Associate - Research & Development

EPITEC; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 37,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

EPITEC is seeking a Technical Associate to manage the second-shift operation of a Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB-SEM) in their Wilmington, DE laboratory. You will support R&D, TS&D, and Manufacturing with analytical services, sample prep, and data reporting.

The role requires a Bachelor's in a scientific discipline, lab experience, and strong safety practices; preferred EM-related experience. Training is provided; 40-hour week, onsite, 4:00 PM–12:30 AM.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or related scientific discipline.
• Laboratory experience in an academic, research, or industrial setting.
• Experience handling chemicals in a laboratory environment.
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety procedures.
• Ability to work under tight timelines and competing priorities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for analysis using established procedures and equipment (polishers, plasma or sputter coaters, and FIB-SEM milling/lift-out).
• Perform FIB-SEM analyses including imaging, EDS, and EBSD, and assess data quality.
• Review and organize collected data for reporting to customers.
• Perform routine instrument maintenance, following established procedures.
• Dispose of laboratory waste according to established protocols.
• Work second-shift hours and coordinate with first-shift FIB-SEM operator.
• Adhere to all safety protocols.

Skills

Electron Microscopy

FIB-SEM

SEM

EDS

EBSD

Sample preparation

Materials characterization

Mechanical polishing

Plasma coating

Sputter coating

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or related scientific discipline

Tools

Electron Microscopy

FIB-SEM

SEM

EDS

EBSD

Sample preparation

Materials characterization

Mechanical polishing

Plasma coating

Sputter coating

Job description

Technical Associate - Research & Development

Duration: 12 months W2 Contract + Annual Renewal
Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite
Location: Wilmington, DE
Schedule: Monday-Friday | 4:00 PM - 12:30 AM (Second Shift)
Compensation: $31.69/hr

Job Description

The candidate will assume responsibility for the second-shift operation of a Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB-SEM) within an advanced analytical sciences laboratory.

This onsite position is located in Wilmington, DE and will work under the direction of experienced scientists to provide analytical support for Research & Development (R&D), Technical Service & Development (TS&D), and Manufacturing organizations.

The role involves operating sophisticated microscopy equipment, preparing samples for analysis, performing materials characterization, and supporting critical research and manufacturing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for analysis, following established procedures using equipment such as mechanical polishers, plasma or sputter coaters, and FIB-SEM cross-section milling and lift-out procedures.
• Perform FIB-SEM analyses including imaging, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), and assess basic data quality.
• Review and organize collected data for reporting to customers.
• Perform routine instrument maintenance, following established procedures.
• Dispose of laboratory waste according to established protocols.
• Work second-shift hours and coordinate work with first-shift FIB-SEM operator.
• Adhere to all safety protocols.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or related scientific discipline
• Laboratory experience in an academic, research, or industrial setting
• Experience handling chemicals in a laboratory environment
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety procedures
• Ability to work under tight timelines and competing priorities
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Electron Microscopy experience
• FIB-SEM (Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy) experience
• SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) experience
• EDS (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy) experience
• EBSD (Electron Backscatter Diffraction) experience
• Sample preparation experience
• Materials characterization experience
• Mechanical polishing experience
• Plasma coating or sputter coating experience
• Research laboratory experience

Shift Details

• Work hours/days: 40 hours/week
• M-F: 4:00 pm - 12:30 am
• Candidate will be trained during daytime hours (8:30 am - 5 pm) for the first three months.

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