Scientist - Dr. Dai's Lab

About the role

The Dr. Yuan Dai’s lab in the Bond Life Sciences Center at the University of Missouri is seeking a Scientist to conduct independent and collaborative research. The research will focus on federally funded projects at the intersection of materials engineering, catalysis, systems biology, and synthetic biology, with an emphasis on developing sustainable technologies for carbon utilization, environmental remediation, and biomanufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize bio-based functional materials
• Advance research in environmental contaminant mitigation, resource recovery, and process scale-up
• Develop and apply advanced analytical methods using GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, and materials characterization techniques
• Analyze and interpret research data
• Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, and competitive research proposals
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students
• Contribute to laboratory operations
• Collaborate across interdisciplinary research teams to advance innovative and impactful scientific discoveries

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in related/ relevant area and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
• Preferred qualifications include a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, Synthetic Biology, or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment.
• Candidates should demonstrate expertise in one or more of the following areas: catalysis, organic chemistry, materials synthesis and characterization, systems biology, or synthetic biology. Experience in biomass-based material synthesis, environmental remediation, carbon utilization, resource recovery, bioprocess development, and the translation of laboratory-scale research into scalable technologies is highly desirable.

Benefits

The anticipated hiring range is $53,976.00 - $98,072.00 per year. This position is eligible for University benefits, including 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. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8AM to 5PM

Pay

$53,976.00 - $98,072.00 per year

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8AM to 5PM

Internal Applicants

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

• CV/Resume
• MU Application

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Other Information

• Learn more about the Bond Life Sciences Center
• Learn about University benefits
• Learn about the University’s commitment to diversity

About Us

The Bond Life Sciences Center at the University of Missouri is a dynamic hub where groundbreaking research meets real-world impact. Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, our state-of-the-art facility brings together experts in diverse fields—engineers, cancer biologists, plant scientists, and IT specialists—all working towards a common goal: to save lives, reduce costs, and enhance everyday life for Missourians and people around the globe.

Our Mission

We are committed to transforming scientific discoveries into actionable solutions. Our innovative research not only addresses pressing challenges in human and animal health, the environment, and agriculture, but it also translates into meaningful improvements in the lives of individuals everywhere. We also strive to share our findings with the public, ensuring that our discoveries resonate far beyond the lab in a language anyone can understand through our blog, Decoding Science, events for the public, social media and more.

Why Join Us?

At the Bond Life Sciences Center, you’ll be part of a vibrant community dedicated to making a difference. Our collaborative environment not only supports innovative research but also ensures that our discoveries lead to tangible benefits for society. Work in an award-winning facility designed for creativity and impact and contribute to a mission that truly changes lives.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year.