Senior Research Scientist

Apply now Job no:497310
Work type:Postdoc / Research / Fellow
Location:Denver, CO
Categories:Research
Division: Natural Sciences and Math

Located where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, the University of Denver embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that defines our region and our history. DU is a private institution built on exploration through research and collaboration among educators, students, and local and global communities. With nationally recognized academic programs, a history of widespread influence, a forward-looking vision for a 21st-century education, and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, we open a world of opportunity to students and empower them to make a difference around the world. Through learning, scholarship and practice, students gain the experience, knowledge and courage they need to tackle big challenges in the real world and guide diverse communities and organizations.

About the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

The college is home to five academic departments: Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Geography and the Environment, Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy. The college offers over 30 degrees ranging from Bachelor of Arts to Doctor of Philosophy as well as having many active research labs funded through extramural sources. DU and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics are strongly committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment of belonging for all. In alignment with this commitment and regardless of specialization, successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to integrate content, programming, processes, communication, and sentiments to build a welcoming community of learning for all, being conscious of individuals with historically minoritized identities. You can read more about DU’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on the University’s website.

About the Worrell Lab

The Worrell Lab is located in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Denver. The Worrell Lab specializes in target oriented organic synthesis, photochemistry, catalysis, polymer chemistry, and material science. The lab is highly interdisciplinary, collaborative, and is an inclusive environment.

Position Summary

The Worrell Lab is seeking to hire a Senior Research Scientist to work in two areas: 1) photopolymer development for additive manufacturing, and 2) polymer characterization. These research areas will be supported by grants from the NIH, NSF, and USDA. Candidates are solicited with backgrounds in polymer chemistry, specifically photochemistry, material science, organic chemistry, and additive manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have experience and expertise in each of these scientific backgrounds. The position is for one year, with the possibility of renewal depending on external funding.

Essential Functions

• Independently design and implement experiments to further ongoing research projects in consultation with the principal investigator.
• Organize, analyze, and prepare data for manuscripts, grant applications, patents, and presentations.
• Participate directly in the writing of manuscripts and grant applications.
• Capable and willing to train and supervise undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral researchers in instrumentation methodology, lab safety procedures, and experimental practice.
• Knowledgeable in polymer chemistry, specifically photopolymers, material science, additive manufacturing, and organic chemistry.
• Knowledgeable in mechanical, thermomechanical, and spectroscopic testing of network and linear polymers.
• Responsible for data acquisition, data analysis, and presentation of research results.
• Stay current with the literature and regularly lead discussion of new reports pertinent to ongoing and proposed projects.
• Maintain and contribute ongoing collaborations with academic labs within and outside of DU.
• Fostering an inclusive laboratory environment and providing general guidance and assistance in daily laboratory operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient in spoken and written English.
• Significant laboratory research experience, including photopolymer synthesis and material characterization.
• Familiarity with R&D software such as OMNIC, Origin, ChemDraw, TRIOS, and NMR interpretation software.
• Advanced knowledge of photochemistry and formulation design strategy for acrylates, methacrylates, urethanes, epoxies, and thiols.
• Advanced knowledge of photopolymer synthesis and preparation via UV and visible light.
• Advanced knowledge in material characterization including DMA, DSC, FTIR, UV-Vis, and mechanical testing.
• Advanced knowledge in high-throughput screening methodologies and instrumentation.
• Advanced knowledge in liquid crystalline elastomers and high-performance thermosetting materials.
• Knowledgeable in CAD and rapid prototyping.

Required Qualifications

• Proficient in spoken and written English.
• PhD degree in polymer science, material science, or related areas.
• 2+ years of industrial polymer science experience.
• 4+ years of lab management and personnel training experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in polymer science and/or engineering.
• 10+ years of photopolymer experience.
• 2+ years of industrial experience in light-based additive manufacturing.
• Lab management and instrumentation procurement and maintenance experience.
• Laboratory research experience across multiple sectors, including academia, government, and industry.

Working Environment

Physical Activities

Work Schedule

The University’s administrative offices are open Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Work schedule may vary.

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) June 7, 2024.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:

The salary grade for the position is 13.

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is $85,000- $102,200.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver .

Please include the following documents with your application:

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University's educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Equal Pay Act; Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers' Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement .

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.