"Alerted.org

Assistant Research Scientist

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Please include a cover letter, CV, and names of potential references in your application.

Job Summary

The Kotov Group within the Department of Chemical Engineering, in collaboration with the Michigan Center for Materials Characterization (MC2), seeks to appoint a full-time Assistant Research Scientist. The successful candidate will play a dual role, contributing to cutting-edge research on complex nanomaterials in ChE, while also supporting MC2's mission by managing key characterization instruments and assisting users.

Who We Are

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

+ Generous time off

+ A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting

+ Many choices for comprehensive health insurance

+ Life insurance

+ Long-term disability coverage

+ Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

+ Maternity and Parental Leave

Responsibilities*

The project involves direct collaborations with multiple other universities, government laboratories, and industrial partners. As part of a team, the assistant research scientist will be involved in a fast-paced research environment, all aspects of high impact applied research including design and execution of experiments, data analysis, manuscript preparation, presentation of results, and mentoring.

The selected candidate will:

+ Conduct independent and collaborative research on multifunctional nanomaterials, thin films, and complex nanostructures.

+ Design and execute experimental studies integrating optical, electrical, and mechanical properties.

+ Contribute to manuscript preparation, proposal development, and conference presentations.

+ Support ongoing research activities by advising students and coordinating experimental setups.

+ Participate in interdisciplinary research initiatives and foster collaborations within and outside the department.

+ Manage and maintain advanced characterization tools, including nanoindentation, in situ mechanical testing platform, and SEM.

+ Provide training, consultation, and technical support to internal and external users.

+ Troubleshoot instrument issues and work with vendors and core facility staff to ensure uptime and performance.

+ Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs), as well as new characterization protocols to support emerging research needs.

+ Participate in MC2 outreach, safety, and user community engagement efforts.

Required Qualifications*

+ A Ph.D. in chemical engineering, materials science, physical chemistry or a closely related field.

+ Experience with conducting goal-oriented research on tight timelines.

+ At least 5 years of hands-on experience with advanced microscopy and mechanical testing instrumentation (e.g., SEM, AFM, nanoindentation, FIB).

+ Demonstrated track record of research in nanomaterials, thin films, or related fields, including publications in peer-reviewed journals.

+ Strong problem-solving skills in experimental design, instrumentation, and data analysis.

+ Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work with diverse users and collaborators.

+ Experience with synthesis of nanostructures, their characterization by various types of microscopy,

+ working knowledge of chirality in chemistry and material science;

+ detailed knowledge of colloidal chemistry and thin film deposition, including layer-by-layer assembly.

Desired Qualifications*

+ Experience in instrument development or modification.

+ Prior involvement in core facility operations or user training.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

E-Verify

The University of Michigan participates with the federal EVerify system. Individuals hired into positions that are funded by a federal contract with the FAR EVerify clause must have their identity and work eligibility confirmed by the EVerify system. This position is identified as a position that may include the EVerify requirement.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

271189

Working Title

Assistant Research Scientist

Job Title

ASST RES SCIENTIST

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Onsite

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

College Engineering

Department

Chemical Engineering Dept

Posting Begin/End Date

11/20/2025 - 11/27/2025

Salary

$75,000.00 - $80,000.00

Career Interest

Primary