RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER SENIOR – WASHINGTON CLEAN ENERGY TESTBEDS

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Collaboration Core has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer Senior – Washington Clean Energy Testbeds.

Position Purpose
This position supports the Washington Clean Energy Testbeds (WCET), which provides academic and industrial user access to advanced characterization, fabrication, processing, and computing tools.

Position Complexities
Research undertaken at WCET is focused on the development of transitional energy devices, algorithms and other technologies.  The equipment, analytical instrumentation, and computing capabilities are designed to meet the flexible needs of a multidisciplinary user base.

The Research Scientist/Engineer Senior serves as the lead expert in materials characterization and electrical analysis tools, providing support for lab users in the form of training and scientific consulting. The position is also responsible for managing day-to-day laboratory operations such as equipment maintenance, purchasing of consumables, safety, and hazardous waste. The position will also work directly with management and/or lead projects related to the growth and expansion of laboratory facilities. Lastly, the position administers clean energy and climate-tech innovation programs funded by state and federal agencies by working directly with clients and stakeholders to ensure program success.

Specifically, the person in this role will execute the following duties:

Facility Operations:
• Direct and coordinate operations of laboratory expansion for a new battery fabrication facility. Work with vendors to select equipment and instrumentation for state-of-the-art facilities upgrades. Work with contractors/builders/architects to plan and develop new lab spaces. Manage timeline and budget for purchase, installation, and ramp-up.
• Create and implement recommendations related to organization of the lab, space, safety, equipment management, software, procedures, etc. to support continual process improvement within WCET.
• Develop and establish standard operating procedures for facility users and other staff. Approve changes proposed by junior staff. Feasibility and validation studies of new or revised methods.
• Manage a training program with facility staff and users that will educate new users in sample preparation, execution of analysis, interpretation of data, and reporting of results.
• Partner with other staff members to create efficiencies in scheduling the use of facilities and equipment. Monitor, develop and implement improvements and/or changes to equipment scheduling and organization tools.
• Act as the lead safety manager at WCET. Develop, manage, and update safety protocols throughout the labs. Manage hazardous waste process. Key decision maker in approving and/or denying hazardous materials requests. Develop and implement best safety practices & protocols with users in the facility.
• Ensure compliance with UW and local regulatory and permitting authorities’ requirements.
• Contribute to reports to universities, sponsors, funding agencies, and other requesting organizations.

Internal and External Client Management:
• Effectively deliver consulting services and maintain positive relationships with WCET users and prospective clients from UW, industry, national labs, and other academic institutions to support their needs through equipment and processing training and support.
• Administer nationally funded programs such as the Testbeds’ Cleantech Hardware Innovation Prototyping program. Interact directly with current and prospective industry clients of the Testbeds throughout the application process and during their use of the lab. Provide consulting for prospective applicants. Collaborate with Testbeds management to develop ideas and plans for outreach, program improvements, and follow-on funding.
• Manage WCET Innovation Assistantships – Graduate Fellows, monitor their activities and develop work plans to meet goals set by the Managing Director.
• Contribute to technical and educational resources (manuals, webpages, training modules, etc.) and provide materials, lessons, and presentations for visitors, users, and guests to WCET.
• Communicate with users to thoroughly understand their research and facility needs and report results.
• Assist in science technology engineering and math (STEM) outreach activities and events.

Equipment Maintenance:
• Perform basic preventative maintenance and calibrations.
• Investigate instrument-related issues, execute troubleshooting procedures.
• Educate other staff on instrument-related issues and repairs.
• Contact vendor maintenance specialists if problem cannot be fixed by WCET staff.
• Anticipate the need for consumables and accessories for equipment based on demand.
• Be knowledgeable on fabrication, processing, manufacturing, and systems integration instruments to provide secondary support to other parts of WCET.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• A Doctoral degree in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or related field; minimum six years of experience (professional, post-doctoral only) in fabrication and analytical laboratories, or equivalent combination of education/experience.

Additional requirements:
• Knowledge of and experience with a variety of materials analysis and/or electroanalytical instrumentation, sample preparation, health and safety regulations, and equipment maintenance.
• Experience with complicated instrumentation with auxiliary equipment (chillers, vacuum pumps, etc.).
• Demonstration of logical problem solving to provide expedient and enduring corrective actions for laboratory problems.
• Ability to write and document lab policies and procedures clearly, communicate with users during training and supervisory exercises.
• Experience providing excellent customer service to clients in technical fields.
• Ability to multi-task and complete multiple projects in a timely manner.
• Ability to train and interaction with scientists with a range of backgrounds and levels of education.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum requirements.

DESIRED REQUIREMENTS
• Experience with fabrication of novel devices and/or systems.
• Experience in clean energy or clean technology research.
• Experience with computer programing and software coding.
• Ability to plan and execute complex projects involving characterization of experimental devices fabricated by novel methods.
• Extensive background in chemistry, physics, materials science and/or engineering with a focus on analytical technique use and development.
• Experience working in a university setting.
• Experience supporting private companies conducting scaled innovation R&D campaigns.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.