Research Associate-Fixed Term
Michigan State University

Job no: 718282
Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff
Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Engineering
Department: Chemical Engineering And Materials Sci 10016140
Sub Area: FAS- Fac./Acad Staff
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Engineers/Architects, Research/Scientific, Fixed Term Academic Staff, Full Time (90-100%), Non-Union
Position Summary

The successful applicant will be involved in one or more of the following projects:

1. Developing methods to grow and characterize bulk single crystals of intermetallic phases including pnictides and chalcogenides with either layered or 1D crystal structures to understanding the impact of in-plane and out-of-plane bond strength on lattice dynamics and thermal transport in layered materials;
2. Synthesis and structural characterization of Zintl polymorphs at high temperatures and/or pressures using synchrotron radiation;
3. Characterization of the temperature-dependent elastic tensors of single crystals using resonant ultrasound spectroscopy.

In addition to being able to work independently in the lab on synthesis and characterization of materials, the successful applicant must be able to contribute to lab management, supervision of graduate and undergraduate research projects, and writing and editing of manuscripts, reports and proposals. The project will involve collaboration with experimental and modeling groups within MSU and in other institutes both nationally and internationally and the successful applicant will be expected to help manage relevant collaborations.

This position is initially for one year, renewable annually based on performance and the availability of funding. The position includes salary and fringe benefits for 1 year.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or related field

Minimum Requirements

• Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or related field by the start of the position.
• The candidate must have strong written and oral communication skills and understanding of scientific methodology, as demonstrated by a strong publication record.
• Candidates should enjoy working in a dynamic research environment and be able to collaborate with both experimental and computational groups.

Desired Qualifications

• The candidate should ideally be familiar with either research on thermoelectrics or, more broadly, with electronic or thermal transport properties of bulk materials.
• Prior experience with either bulk crystal growth methods (e.g., Bridgman, molten metal flux, chemical vapor transport) or structural characterization of materials is preferred.
• The ideal candidate will combine interest and experience in bulk crystal growth or powder processing techniques and in high-temperature or high-pressure characterization of structural and transport properties of materials.

Required Application Materials

To apply, applicants must upload a cover letter, CV, a representative publication, and contact information for 2 references.

Review of Applications Begins On

08/06/2021

Website

https://alexzevalkink.wordpress.com/people/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Advertised: Jul 21, 2021 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jul 21, 2023 Eastern Daylight Time