Materials Science Institute (MSI) Pro Tem Research Assistant/Associate/Postdoc - Open Pool

Department:  Materials Science Institute
Rank: Research Assistant, Research Associate, Postdoctoral Scholar, Senior Research Associate
Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins

Applications will be reviewed as needs arise

Special Instructions to Applicants

In addition to a completed application, please submit
• A current CV - must highlight research area of interest
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Department Summary

The Materials Science Institute (MSI) at the University of Oregon is an interdisciplinary institute, founded in 1985 as a State Center of Excellence. Its purpose is to study the structure and properties of materials, to educate in the sciences of materials, and to serve Oregon as a resource in these sciences.

More information about the Materials Science Institute at the University of Oregon may be found by visiting the Institute's website at: http://materialscience.uoregon.edu.

Position Summary

The Materials Science Institute seeks qualified applicants for its open research faculty pool. Positions are limited duration, funding contingent postdoctoral or pro tempore research appointments that are full-time, part-time, or short-term, with contracts not to exceed one year. There may be a possibility of renewal up to a total of three years, depending on program needs, funding, and performance.

Example position needs may include research assistants (commonly known as technicians), research associates, as well as postdoctoral scholars. Research assistants conduct research under the direction of a principal investigator; postdoctoral scholars conduct research under the direction of a faculty member for the purpose of acquiring research training; research associates conduct research with only general guidance. Successful candidates will have the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of diverse backgrounds.

Minimum Requirements

• RESEARCH ASSISTANT (TYPE B): Positions require a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, or related field. In rare occasions, positions in specialized fields may allow for a combination of education and equivalent experience prior to the time of hire to satisfy the bachelor’s degree requirement.

• RESEARCH ASSISTANT (TYPE C): Positions require a master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, or related field. In rare occasions, positions in highly specialized fields may allow for a combination of education and exceptional equivalent experience prior to the time of hire to satisfy the master’s degree requirement.

*Ranks for each research assistant type in ascending order are senior research assistant I and senior research assistant II.

Research Associate rank or Postdoctoral Scholar:
• Terminal degree in Chemistry, Physics, Biology or related field.
• Professional experience conducting research in Chemistry, Physics, Biology or related field.

Senior Research Associate I rank:
• Terminal degree in Chemistry, Physics, Biology or related field, plus 6 years of applicable work experience post-degree.

Senior Research Associate II rank:
• Terminal degree in Chemistry, Physics, Biology or related field, plus 12 years of applicable work experience post-degree.

Professional Competencies

• Ability to conduct research activities under appropriate supervision and follow established research protocols.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to collect, manage, and analyze research data with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Effective written and oral communication skills appropriate for a research environment.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Commitment to maintaining a professional, inclusive, and respectful research environment.
• Ability to follow university policies, research compliance requirements, and laboratory safety standards.
• Time management skills sufficient to meet research deadlines and project goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior research experience in materials science, chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, or a related interdisciplinary field.
• Experience working in a laboratory or research setting, including use of scientific equipment or computational tools, as applicable.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to research publications, presentations or technical reports.
• Familiarity with data analysis techniques, experimental methods, or computational modeling relevant to materials science research.
• Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary research team.
• For postdoctoral or research associate roles: evidence of increasing independence in research activities.
• Experience supporting grant‑funded or contract‑funded research projects.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

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