Job Summary
The Research Scientist will support the the Son Research group at Purdue University with the focus of advancing the basic understanding of energetic materials, as well as fire safety and batteries. The Research Scientist will plan, conduct, execute, and report advanced research in the science and engineering of energetic materials. Additionally, the scientist will contribute towards raising external funding; help guide undergraduate/graduate students; organize laboratory work including, for example, assigning user responsibilities; develop laboratory protocols for safe and effective operation; design research equipment; and conduct independent research work.
This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact at a prestigious institution known for innovation and research excellence. Join our community of lifelong learners and contribute your skills to this critical program. At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together. Take the next step in your career journey - apply now to help build a better world at Purdue University.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Design and direct research projects in the fields of energetic materials and other reactive systems.
- Develop new experiments and mentor students.
- Analyze data, write reports, and deliver technical presentations at conferences or meetings.
- Co-lead experimental work on continuing DARPA project.
- Contribute to new and continuing Army Center or collaborative agreements.
- Advise and train students on lab protocols and best practices regarding experimentation, data collection, and research methods to support smooth lab operations and analysis.
About Us:
The School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University has a mission to change the world for the better, one student at a time. We began in 1882 as experts in locomotives (thus the name "Boilermakers!") and now in the 21st century, we continue to move the world forward by combining the latest technologies with the strongest of fundamentals.
About 2,600 undergraduate students are part of the Purdue ME family in West Lafayette, Indiana. As one of the broadest engineering disciplines, our students and faculty have the widest variety of interests and expertise. We maintain high standards, whether in the classroom, the laboratory, or the workplace. Purdue ME is one of the top ten schools in the country, as ranked by US News & World Report.
For more information about our department, please visit: https://engineering.purdue.edu/ME
What We're Looking For:
Education and Experience:
- PhD degree in engineering or related field
- Two (2) years of industrial/governmental/academic research experience in the area of energetic materials
- Experience with the design of energetic materials experiments and experimental apparatus
- Excellent oral and writing skills to effectively communicate research results to sponsors and/or journal articles and conferences
- Excellent skills in handling, storage, characterization, testing, and processing energetic materials
- Excellent analytical and experimental skills
- Ability to organize and conduct complex research work that may involve multiple individuals at multiple levels
- Ability to closely interact with external sponsors
- Ability to develop and execute protocols to maintain safe research environment at all times
- Ability to work under tight deadlines to meet aggressive milestones
- Ability to interact with a wide range of personalities and make correct decisions under pressure
- Highly motivated individual with the desire to conduct independent research work including raising funding and reporting results with minimal supervision
- Ability to lift and carry 25 to 50 pounds frequently and up to 60 pounds occasionally
Skills needed:
- Knowledge of experimental data uncertainty, machine learning techniques, data acquisition and analysis, and excellent oral and written communication skills.
- This position is subject to Export Control regulations
- This position has a limited duration of two (2) years with continuation dependent upon additional funding. Benefits do apply.
Who We Are:
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
Additional Information:
- Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
- Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A background check will be required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately
- Purdue University is an EO/EA University