Materials Research Technician

About the role

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. The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) 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. MURR is expanding its critical cancer-fighting and medical isotope production, and the facility enables research across many disciplines — from investigating ancient cultures and how plants respond to their environment, to analyzing industrial materials and developing radiopharmaceuticals with lifesaving clinical applications.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

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

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.

Schedule

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

Pay

Salary Range: $64,168 to $89,856 per year; Grade: GGS M11; University Title: MURR Research Specialist

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits. The comprehensive benefits package includes 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.