Position Information:

Position Title:

Job Group:

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Job Description:

The Cochran group in the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department at Iowa State University is seeking candidates for a Research Scientist III. The position will participate in the development of and execution of highly complex research projects related to novel polymers and their applications. Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills will be necessary to produce research products and to participate in the mentoring and supervision of several undergraduate and graduate student researchers.

Example of Duties

• Collaborate with the PI and other group members to conceive and direct project development in diverse areas ranging from soy-based thermoplastics, asphalt materials, performance advantaged polyamides, chemically recyclable polyesters, and block copolymer reinforced resins for additive manufacturing.

• Design and conduct experiments supporting these projects, to interpret and report on experimental results, to develop and deliver public presentations at internal and external venues, and to guide and train others in the conduct of experiments and data interpretation.

• Lead and support the development of research proposals, manuscripts for publication, and intellectual property disclosures.

• Maintenance and supervision of the daily operation of the state-of-the-art experimental facilities.

The success candidate

• Has the ability to work in a strong team environment, as well as the ability to work independently while accessing available expertise from other team members as needed. 

• Has the ability to develop and closely follow activity-specific procedures that are designed to establish a safe work environment, a working knowledge of standard computer operating systems and computer management to record and manage data for research reports and an understanding of electronic fundamentals and use of electronic instrumentation are necessary to be effective in this position. 

• Is familiar with organic chemistry, especially as it pertains to the synthesis and modification of organic polymers, will be important to the position’s success.

• Has polymer processing and characterization skills.

• Has the ability to plan, initiate, and execute research activities in collaboration with others both internal and external to the research group.

Level Guidelines
• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals
• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
• Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff
• May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)
• May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
• Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:

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Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Original Posting Date:

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