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Research Scientist in Mechanical Engineering

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Full-time
On-site
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville United States of America

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Closing Date:

01/29/2025


Type of Position:

Researchers and Scientists


Workstudy Position:

No


Job Type:

Fixed Duration of Project/Grant (Fixed Term)


Work Shift:


Sponsorship Available:

No


Institution Name:

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance Arkansas and build a better world through education, research and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, promoting an inclusive and diverse culture and climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Appli­cants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.


Department:

Min Zou Reports


Department's Website:

https://engineering.uark.edu/mechanical-engineering/


Summary of Job Duties:

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas is seeking a motivated and skilled candidate to join our team and contribute to advancing research in surface engineering, as well as the characterization of 3D-printed micro/nanostructures, coatings, and other advanced materials. The successful candidate will:

1. Conduct independent and collaborative research, contributing to the publication of peer-reviewed journal articles.
2. Collaborate with the faculty mentor to prepare proposals for research funding and commercialization opportunities.
3. Mentor and collaborate with graduate and undergraduate students, fostering a productive research environment.
4. Oversee research facilities to ensure the lab and equipment operate efficiently and safely.

This is a one-year position, with the potential for renewal contingent upon performance and funding availability. The position is expected to begin on March 1, 2025.

Regular, reliable attendance and the ability to maintain a collegial, harmonious working environment are essential requirements.


Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education, conferred by the start of employment

Preferred Qualifications:

At least two years of experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Nanoindentation and scratch testing using nanoindenters

  • Coating development, including powder coating, nanomaterials, and surface science

  • 3D printing with two-photon lithography and expertise in mammalian stem cell culture

  • Proficiency with scientific instruments such as tribometers, scanning electron microscopes (SEM), optical and contact profilometers, atomic force microscopes (AFM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of using general office software

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills


Additional Information:

This position is renewable annually based on continued need for the position, availability of funding, and satisfactory job performance.


Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience


Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title)

Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status


Recruitment Contact Information:

Melynda Hart, Operations Manager, melhart@uark.edu


All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.


Special Instructions to Applicants:


Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds inclusion, opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.


Constant Physical Activity:

Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking


Frequent Physical Activity:

N/A


Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A


Benefits Eligible:

Yes