Visiting Research Scientist - Department of Chemistry

Visiting Research Scientist - Department of Chemistry

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Job Summary

Manage project to develop novel energetic materials based on metal/oxidizer composites that under shock compression release energy faster and more efficiently than current state of the art.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Fabricate and characterize novel energetic composites based on aluminum or boron using assisted reactive ball milling techniques.
• Perform dynamic tests of novel composites with and without organic energetic additives.
• Analyze and present data files from dynamic tests and sample characterization.
• Design, fabricate and characterize improved materials based on dynamic tests.
• Operate and troubleshoot high-throughput tabletop shock compression microscope with laser-launched flyer plates, nanosecond video camera and nanosecond optical pyrometer.
• Prepare and present in appropriate venues recent research results and write first drafts of papers to be published in archival journals.
• Supervise laboratory safety protocols.
• Supervise research activities of graduate and undergraduate students.

Required Qualifications

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. Five years’ experience working in a lab that performs dynamic compression experiments and develops novel energetic materials.

Successful candidates will have:

• Expertise in design and implementation of arrested reactive ball milling synthesis.
• Expertise in physical characterization techniques including thermal analysis, microparticle characterization and electron microscopy.
• Operation and service of high-energy pulsed solid-state lasers.
• Expertise in video data analysis.
• Ability to simulate solid-state chemical reaction pathways.
• Familiarity with shock compression instrumentation and basic grounding in shock compression science.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the deadline date. The budgeted salary for this position is $65,000 - $66,950. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including equivalent years in rank, training, and field or discipline; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on December 17, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact lascollegehiring@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1032880
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu