"Research Scientist II"

Position Summary

The Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join our world-class experimental laboratory housed in the Ralph S. O'Connor Building for Engineering and Science at Rice University. The lab occupies over 6,000 sq. ft. of dedicated space, with fully equipped synthesis, characterization, and fabrication facilities, maintained and operated by our research team.

In this role, you will pursue cutting-edge research aimed at understanding and controlling complex oxide and nitride thin films--with a focus on dielectric, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, ferroelectric, magnetic, and multiferroic materials. Projects span the spectrum from fundamental materials science and physics to applied physics, device fabrication, and testing. You will have the opportunity to engage across these levels, contributing to both foundational knowledge and real-world applications.

Our research is backed by a broad portfolio of federal agencies, foundations, and industry partners. Under the leadership of an expert Principal Investigator (PI), Lane Martin, the group typically includes 15-17 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. In addition, Rice University maintains a vibrant, expanding advanced materials community and provides access to extensive shared facilities through the Shared Equipment Authority.
We aim for the lab to become a world-leading center in functional materials research--providing the opportunity for the Research Scientist to lead independent projects, pursue their own funding, and build a national or international profile in the field.
Key responsibilities will include conducting complex independent experimental research; managing multiple research projects and associated budgets; and ensuring a safe, well-organized, and efficient lab environment. The role is expected to include approximately 60-70% research activity and 30-40% laboratory management duties.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate is a skilled experimental materials scientist with strong expertise in thin-film synthesis, characterization, and processing of complex oxide and/or nitride materials. They are highly organized, capable of independently managing multiple research projects and laboratory operations, and eager to contribute to and grow within a world-class research environment.

Workplace Requirements

On-campus position: This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at Rice University. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $100,000-$106,000
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.* This position is a one-year term-limited position.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach the following in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

• A one (1) page cover letter addressing your statement of interest and justification of qualifications/ experience for this role.
• A full CV.
• Two examples of your research work that you feel best illustrate the depth and impact of your career to this point.
• A list of three (3) potential references that can be contacted and their contact information.

Minimum Requirements

• Doctoral degree
• 3+ years of postdoctoral experience

Skills

• High proficiency and comprehensive knowledge of information management, knowledge management, and publication management
• Possess a logical and independent mindset
• Excellent interpersonal skills such as patience, determination, flexibility, and decisiveness
• Excellent listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills
• Excellent scientific and numerical skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work in a team environment, participate actively, collaborate, and motivate others in the lab

Preferences

Technical skills/experience:

• Synthesis of complex oxide/nitride/related thin films (via PLD, MBE, sputtering, etc.)
• Structural characterization of thin-film materials, including laboratory and/or synchrotron-based X-ray scattering
• Scanning-probe microscopy (including AFM, PFM, KPFM, and others)
• Dielectric/piezoelectric/pyroelectric/ferroelectric/magnetic/multiferroic device fabrication and property measurement in thin-film geometries
• Synchrotron-based studies of complex oxides, including soft- and hard-X-ray spectromicroscopy
• Experience in cleanroom/nanofabrication-based processes producing device structures
• Experience with LabView and basic programming knowledge, as well as various electronics (including troubleshooting)

General skills/experience:

• Hands-on experience in the relevant research area and with associated laboratory equipment
• Exceptional critical thinking, research acumen, and technical expertise
• Outstanding editing and presentation skills, capable of engaging various audiences, including researchers, faculty, staff, and students from diverse technical backgrounds
• Exceptional time-management and organizational skills
• Commitment to promoting and upholding best practices in research laboratory operations
• Demonstrates adeptness with instrumentation, displaying a rapid grasp of new experimental techniques and instruments to become proficient swiftly

Essential Functions

• Manages complex research projects and related budgets
• Conducts independent experimental research, supports ongoing laboratory studies, and develops or refines new protocols, methodologies, and theoretical approaches
• Conducts complex experiments, analyzes data using advanced techniques, and interprets results to generate meaningful scientific insights
• Communicates the results of scientific research through papers, conferences, presentations, etc., thereby actively working to improve the laboratory's reputation and scientific capabilities
• Maintains awareness of emerging technologies, methods, and developments relevant to the research area
• Develops, supports the formulation of, and/or writes research proposals to gain access to user facilities and obtain funding for research
• Organizes, writes, and otherwise plays a leading role in developing program reports and presentations related to the research
• Mentors, supervises, and trains undergraduate students, graduate researchers, and postdoctoral scholars on laboratory systems, research topics, and best practices
• Coordinates laboratory safety initiatives and serves as a primary point of contact for safety-related matters
• Promotes a safe, efficient, and collaborative work environment by training new members, managing supply needs, and coordinating routine equipment maintenance with superusers
• Provides "institutional memory" on core facilities, hardware, and methodologies to ensure continuity of effort and understanding within the laboratory
• Supports or leads the procurement and installation of major research instrumentation and equipment
• Establishes and maintains effective systems for communication regarding laboratory activities and operational status
• Ensures all research activities adhere to applicable safety regulations and ethical standards
• Performs all other duties as assigned