Senior Research Associate - Anomalous Small Angle Scattering (ASAXS) - 101117-3800

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**Description**

The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is

seeking a full time Senior Research Associate (SRA) to become part of

NSF\'s ChemMatCARS.

ChemMatCARS, affiliated with the Pritzker School of Molecular

Engineering (PME), the University of Chicago and funded by NSF, is a

national user facility for frontier research in chemistry and materials

science using synchrotron x-rays. ChemMatCARS is located at Sector 15 of

the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL).

Anomalous Small Angle Scattering (ASAXS) is one of the most powerful

synchrotron X-ray techniques for element-specific structural study of

soft matter systems. It is indispensable for understanding quantitative

structural heterogeneities in soft matter systems and nanomaterials. The

successful candidate will be expected to lead an ASAXS user program that

will serve a general scientific user community. The candidate will be

expected to originate and engage in collaborative efforts in ASAXS

studies of a variety of soft matter systems with ChemMatCARS users.

These efforts include, but are not limited to, conducting synchrotron

experiments with users at ChemMatCARS, analyzing ASAXS data,

contributing to manuscripts for publication, and, if the situation

applies, contributing to grant proposal applications. In addition, this

candidate will be expected to provide additional support for scientists

conducting research at ChemMatCARS, as well as lead R&D efforts to

expand the capabilities of ChemMatCARS in the use of ASAXS. Areas of

investigation include, but are not limited to, aggregation and

complexation of polyelectrolytes, interactions between charged colloids

and macro-ions in solutions, and element distribution within functional

nanomaterials at the length scales from a few to hundreds of nanometers.

**Qualifications**

A Ph.D. in Physical Sciences in the study of soft matter science with

synchrotron hard x-ray techniques, preferably with Anomalous Small Angle

X-ray Scattering (ASAXS), a research record in soft matter science using

synchrotron hard x-ray scattering techniques, and a minimum of 8 years

of relevant experiences with 3 years in leading a user science program

at a synchrotron x-ray ASAXS facility. Expertise in a range of

synchrotron x-ray techniques, including the use of high energy x-rays

(up to 70 keV), for studying soft matter is especially beneficial.

Strong computer skills, including EPICS, SPEC, and Python, as well as

the ability to use these to write data acquisition software, data

analysis software, instrumentation control interfaces and beamline

control programs, are also required. Experience with the operation of

synchrotron beamlines is highly preferred. Moreover, the SRA will have

the opportunity to serve in the role of Principal Investigator, writing

proposals to federal and non-federal agencies to support such research

and development.

**Application Instructions**

Applications must be submitted online through the University of

Chicago\'s Interfolio website:

Review of applications will continue until position is filled.

The following materials are required:

- cover letter.

- curriculum vitae including a list of publications.

- research statement describing past and current research

accomplishments

- contact information for three references who can provide

confidential letters of evaluation.