Assistant Research Scientist

The University of Iowa Materials Analysis, Testing, and Fabrication (MATFab) Facility is an Office of the Vice President for Research core resource, offering a wide array of instrumentation to research investigators. The MATFab Facility is seeking an Assistant Research Scientist to support materials characterization services and scientific user facility operations.

This position will work with a broad suite of materials characterization instrumentation and techniques, supporting researchers across a wide range of projects and applications. Areas of focus include X-ray diffraction, micro-computed tomography, electron microscopy, thin-film characterization, nanopatterned surface analysis, and related analytical methods.

Responsibilities include

conducting materials characterization experiments, supporting data collection and analysis, maintaining and troubleshooting instrumentation, training facility users, developing experimental methodologies and user resources, and contributing to the successful operation and growth of a multidisciplinary research facility.

The successful candidate will bring a broad background in materials characterization and a collaborative approach to supporting research across multiple scientific disciplines. Work Modality: On-site To learn more about the department visit https://matfab.research.uiowa.edu/ For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.

About Pay and Compensation: Pay Grade: 5A The hiring range for this position is anticipated to be $65,000-$80,000. Salary offers are based on a variety of factors, including education, experience, skills, and budget considerations. In limited circumstances, compensation outside of the anticipated range may be considered for candidates with exceptional qualifications.

Qualifications

Education

A Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field is required. This classification requires the awarded degree and cannot accept equivalent experience. Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in research/facility work involving materials characterization.
• Publication record that demonstrates the required research experience.
• Experience maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting instrumentation.
• Experience with software for relevant data analysis.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, accuracy, and strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship management skills. Highly Desirable Qualifications:
• Experience in collecting and analyzing both single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction data.
• Experience with micro-computed tomography, X-ray fluorescence, and electron microscopy.
• Experience with characterization of thin films and nanopatterned surfaces.
• Experience in programming for scientific applications.
• Experience with other analytical instrumentation. Desirable Qualifications:
• Experience in a shared instrumentation/user facility environment. Position and Application Details and Instructions: In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following required documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
• Cover Letter
• Resume Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For additional questions, please contact: VPR Talent ( [email protected] ) This position is eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization. If your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation. About the University of Iowa Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.