Postdoctoral Researcher

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher.

Position Details LocationHattiesburg

118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States DivisionPolymer Science and Engineering Position TypeStaff Employment StatusFull Time Grant FundedYes Posting Close DateOpen until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants should send their CV together with a cover letter explaining his/her interest in the position and at least two reference letters to: Dr. Xiaodan Gu (xiaodan.gu@usm.edu).

Job Summary
This job broadly covers the morphology characterization for polymeric materials with a focus on the X-ray and neutron scattering. He or she will coordinate research activities, research personnel, laboratory activities, communications with research sponsors, data analysis, and written and oral dissemination of research results. He or she will aid professors to manage research activities and reporting to funding organizations. This candidate will extensively interact with scientist at the Oak Ridge National laboratory.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1.Characterize new molecules and polymers using various morphology characterizing tools, especially using Neutrons or X-ray.

2.Support directly funded research programs, morphology characterization, device fabrication, and engineering efforts.

3.Prepare publications, proposals, documents, and reports. (25 %)

4.Train and supervise graduate student researchers. Aid in managing graduate student research activities in the group to discuss their progress and their research effort for major sponsored projects.Help each person set priorities for their current work and the future of their work and provide technical information, support, and direction.

5.Travel to user facilities, national labs, and visits to and from sponsors.

Minimum Qualifications Candidates should possess a Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or closely related discipline with extensive materials characterization experience. The candidate should also possess a strong background in polymeric materials’ property. The candidate is expected to be self-motivated and capable of working collaboratively in a team environment with scientists and engineers representing a variety of different backgrounds, skills, and experience levels. Successful candidates will be knowledgeable in morphology characterization in polymeric materials. The ability to think independently, work well with others, present unbiased evaluations of data and other information in technically complex situations, and technical writing and presentation skills for both scientific and non-scientific personnel are critical. A strong record of publication in peer-reviewed publications is required.

Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesThe candidate will need knowledge for polymer physic and related polymer morphology characterization skills.

Preferred Qualifications Experience in one or more of the following experimental techniques would be strongly preferred: neutron or X-ray scattering on polymeric materials in solution, device fabrication for organic electronics, and crystallization and glass transition behavior of conjugated polymers. The candidate will need to be able to travel to national laboratory. The candidate should also be knowledgeable for various tool for modeling scattering results.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites in central and southern Mississippi, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 130 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and sport venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 40 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of approximately 15,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 36 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 24 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.