The Research Office at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Manager of the Materials Characterization Facility.
About the Opportunity
The Manager of the Materials Characterization Facility, will be the technical and operational lead of the Materials Characterization Facility (MCF) within the Shared Research Facilities (SRF). The incumbent will report to the Director of the Shared Research Facilities. The MCF houses equipment for X-ray diffractometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Optical ellipsometry with white light, and Atomic Force Microscopy. The incumbent will ensure all operation of the entirety of MCF equipment.
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
- 37.5-hour work week
- 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
- 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
- 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
- WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
- 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
- Wellness programs
What You'll Do
- Maintaining the functionality of all instrumentation in the MCF.
- Performing in-house calibration and routine maintenance of assigned instrumentation.
- Trouble shooting problematic equipment and soliciting technical support for maintenance.
- Working with vendors on repairs, upgrades and required maintenance.
- Assisting WVU research community and external users with instrument use and data interpretation and analysis.
- Development of all instrument protocols.
- Development of training materials and provision of training to new users on operation of the equipment and techniques.
- Oversight of MCF user community to maintain facility integrity.
- Continuous improvement of technical skills relevant to instrumentation and engagement of user community via workshops and lectures.
- Development and management of all safety protocols for instrumentation in coordination with WVU EHS.
- Active engagement with faculty and research leadership on adapting and/or expanding the role of the MCF in line with strategic goals of the university.
- Development of long-term strategic plans for MCF (to include new equipment purchases, decommissioning and the provision of new techniques etc.
- Perform paid services for researchers and external users.
- Maintain all supplies and purchasing associated with MCF.
- Work with WVU Facilities to ensure environmental standards for lab.
- Oversight of MCF student workers as appropriate.
- Assist other SRF facilities managers, as appropriate in the execution of their duties.
- Bachelor's degree in Physics, Material Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field. Master's or Ph. D preferred.
- A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the following:
- Expertise in advanced materials characterization. This includes equipment and techniques for X-ray Diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Optical Ellipsometry.
- Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Optical Ellipsometry.
- Basic understanding of electronics, digital communications and networking, data acquisition and analysis, computer hardware and software.
About WVU
West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.
From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.
At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.
Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.
Job Posting: Oct 1, 2026Posting Classification: Non-Classified
Exemption Status: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Schedule: Full-time
