Materials Research Technician

Hiring Department

MRR Research & Education

Job Description

The Materials Research Technician conducts hands-on experiments in
the new materials laboratory, preparing and testing specimens and
keeping instruments running. The technician reports to the
Materials Laboratory Director and takes day-to-day direction from
the PIE Materials Scientist.

Essential duties (approximate effort)

• Specimen preparation (25%). Section, mount, grind, polish, and

etch metallographic and microscopy specimens, including irradiated
specimens using shielded or remote handling equipment. Machine or
prepare test coupons to drawing.

• Testing and characterization (35%). Run tensile and hardness

tests, operate the SEM and related instruments, and perform other
experiments to written test plans and ASTM methods.

• Laboratory operations (20%). Help install and commission new

equipment. Perform routine maintenance and calibration, manage
consumables and inventory, and track samples with chain-of-custody
records.

• Data and documentation (10%). Record test data and observations,

perform first-level data reduction, and maintain laboratory
notebooks and QA records.

• Safety, compliance, and other duties (10%). Follow radiation

safety, ALARA, and chemical hygiene practices, support radioactive
material transfers and waste handling, and perform other related
duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

• BS in materials science, metallurgy, mechanical engineering,

physics, chemistry, or a related field.

• Hands-on laboratory experience, such as metallographic sample

preparation, mechanical testing, or microscopy, through coursework,
research, internship, or employment.

• Careful, documented work habits and the ability to follow

detailed written procedures.

Shift

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in related/relevant area and at least 2 years of
experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be
acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more years of experience in a materials testing or

characterization laboratory.

• SEM operation experience, including EDS.
• Experience working with radioactive materials or in a

radiological controlled area.

• Machining or shop experience.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $64,168 to $89,856 per year

Grade: GGS M11

University Title: MURR Research Specialist

Internal applicants can determine their University title by
accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

1. Cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in
helping build a new laboratory.

2. Resume or curriculum vitae

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this
position.

Other Information

A life-saving operation in the middle of America — the University
of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) — needs you to help guide its
future. MURR is expanding its critical cancer-fighting and medical
isotope production.

MURR’s reactor is the highest-power university research reactor in
the United States, operating at 10 megawatts, 6.5 days a week and
52 weeks a year. The MURR facility enables research across many
disciplines – From investigating ancient cultures and how plants
respond to their environment, to analyzing industrial materials and
developing radiopharmaceuticals that have lifesaving clinical
applications. The MURR facility is a reliable resource for
researchers, scientists, engineers and students across the
country.

Be a part of the future of fighting cancer and saving lives.

Be a part of MURR

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and
a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests.
Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its
location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and
travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia
is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple
hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone
County’s largest population center offering big-city culture,
activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is
home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts
more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your
career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire,
Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your
total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits
package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement,
paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental
leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all
four UM System campuses. For additional information on University
benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at

https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an
Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of
Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

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