Researcher Professional 1

This is a temporary, in-person position in Prof. Marc Hillmyer’s faculty research lab in Kolthoff Hall on the University of Minnesota’s East Bank campus. The role is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship and does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Responsibilities

• 50%: Laboratory work involving modern polymer characterization, maintaining lab equipment, manifesting chemical waste, troubleshooting instrumentation, and collaborating with undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers to acquire data.
• 30%: Lead group contacts and experts on research instrumentation support, maintenance, and repair, including training other researchers.
• 10%: Assist in laboratory safety protocols and the development of standard operating procedures.
• 10%: Write and discuss summaries of findings, assist in literature review, and contribute to grant proposal preparation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, or related field, combined with at least four years of college coursework and laboratory experience.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science.
• Experience with laboratory research in molecular, morphological, and mechanical characterization of polymers or related fields.
• Experience with ring-open metathesis of cyclic olefins in the presence of chain transfer agents and hydrogenation of the product to telechelic polyolefin using high-pressure reactors.
• Experience with research instrumentation operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Scientific writing experience (e.g., research summaries, journal manuscripts).

About the Department

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota (UMN) provides a world-class education through classroom teaching and cutting-edge research. As a core discipline in science and engineering, chemistry plays a critical role in solving societal challenges related to human health, energy, and the environment. The department is a national and international leader, with a strong track record of collaboration with industry and academic institutions worldwide. Alumni have made significant impacts as academicians, K-12 teachers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and in diverse other fields. The department comprises 43 faculty members, 45 staff members, 60 post-doctoral associates, and 230 graduate students.

Pay

Annual salary range: $49,587.20 – $65,707.20, depending on education, qualifications, and experience. This is a 100% time appointment, represented labor position.

Benefits

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans, including healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts, and University HSA contributions.
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance.
• Employee wellbeing program.
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contributions.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
• Financial counseling services and Employee Assistance Program with eight free counseling sessions.
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Expected end date: June 30, 2027.