The Principal Investigator has primary responsibility for the technical success of a research project, while also complying with the financial and administrative requirements of the project. The Principal Investigator will lead a team including project management, researchers and lab personnel, but the primary responsibility for technical result of the project rests with the Principal Investigator. The Principal Investigator position is a hands-on role with a significant portion of time expected to be in the lab working directly on the project.
The Principal Investigator is responsible for achieving the technical milestones of a research project as outlined in the project plan. Projects are primarily material science research on novel superconductors and other advanced materials. Projects require synthesis of superconducting compounds and development of composites utilizing superconducting compounds. Advanced chemistry and materials science expertise is required to optimize electrical and mechanical performance characteristics of composite materials.
Principal Investigator will also be involved in developing new project concepts and proposals.
Specific skills required:
- Synthesis of superconducting materials using MgB2, YBCO and other materials
- Milling of ceramics and metals to nano-scale particle size with controlled microstructure
- Experience working with powder metals and ceramics under inert environment
- Deposition coating technologies (ALD, CVD, PVD) including chemistry and process development
- Material characterization including SEM, SIMS, XPS, XRD, VSM, surface area and particle size analysis
- Superconducting expertise, including knowledge of BCS theory and proximity effect is important
- Experience managing technical research personnel is a plus
Essential Duties:
- Execute the project as outlined in the project plans using sound management techniques and meet all technical milestones
- Effectively manage team and internal / external resources in conjunction with project manager
- Maintain careful records and produce reports and other documents to meet technology dissemination, patent protection, and/or quality control needs
- Report project progress to management and external stakeholders
- Adhere to project budgets
- Develop concepts and proposals for future research work
Education/Experience:
- Ph.D. in Chemistry or Material Science
- 10+ years experience successfully executing lab research and development projects beyond dissertation research
- Experience as Principal Investigator
