PIE Materials Scientist

Hiring Department

MRR Research & Education

Job Description

The PIE Materials Scientist leads MURR's post-irradiation
examination work in the new materials laboratory. The scientist
designs test matrices, performs and directs mechanical testing and
electron microscopy of irradiated materials, interprets results,
and serves as the primary scientific contact for industry and
academic partners.

Essential duties (approximate effort)

• Post-irradiation examination and research (30%). Plan and perform

PIE on irradiated specimens, including tensile (stress–strain),
hardness and microhardness, and, as capabilities grow, fracture
toughness, creep, or fatigue testing. Perform SEM, EDS, and EBSD,
and TEM or FIB where available, to characterize radiation damage
and failure modes.

• Laboratory setup (25%). Working with the Laboratory Director,

help define the laboratory's scope, layout, and equipment list and
write specifications and procurement justifications. Commission and
qualify instruments, including shielded or remote handling for
radioactive specimens, and write SOPs and QA documentation suitable
for NQA-1 sponsors.

• Industry and academic liaison (25%). Scope studies with industry

partners, national laboratories, and MU faculty, including
objectives, test matrices, schedules, cost estimates, and
statements of work. Lead and contribute to proposals, represent
MURR at technical meetings, and co-advise graduate students.

• Supervision, reporting, and publication (10%). Direct the

day-to-day work of the Materials Research Technician and train
students and visiting users. Analyze data, write sponsor reports,
and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

• Safety, compliance, and other duties (5%). Work under MURR's NRC

license and ALARA principles, prepare experiment documentation for
review committees, and perform other related duties as
assigned.

Required qualifications

• PhD in materials science and engineering, nuclear engineering,

metallurgy, mechanical engineering, physics, or a closely related
field, conferred by the start date.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with mechanical testing (tensile

at minimum) and scanning electron microscopy, including sample
preparation.

• Research experience in radiation effects in materials, nuclear

materials, or materials for extreme environments.

• Record of peer-reviewed publications or technical reports.
• Ability to explain technical results clearly to industry and

non-specialist audiences.

Shift

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

Minimum Qualifications

Doctoral degree in related/relevant area and at least 4 years of
experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be
acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of postdoctoral, national laboratory, or

industry experience in nuclear materials.

• Direct PIE experience with neutron-irradiated materials in a hot

cell, glovebox, or shielded facility.

• Experience with TEM, FIB lift-out, atom probe tomography,

nanoindentation, or small-specimen test techniques.

• Experience setting up a new laboratory or commissioning major

instruments.

• Familiarity with ASTM mechanical test standards and ASME

NQA-1.

• Track record of funded proposals with DOE, NSUF, NEUP, or

industry sponsors, and a professional network in the advanced
reactor or nuclear materials community.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $97,552 - $136,656 per year

Grade: GGS M14

University Title: Research Scientist

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 and a full publication list

3. A statement (two pages maximum) describing a research and
partnership vision for irradiated materials research at MURR.

4. Names and contact information for three professional
references.

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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