The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is one of eight departments in the College of Engineering. AMCaT is a recharge facility that provides access to materials characterization equipment to a diverse and multidisciplinary user base of students (undergraduate and graduate), postdoctoral scholars, faculty researchers, and external users. AMCaT follows best practices for core facility operations and management and is available to registered and trained users on a 24/7 basis. Major techniques include Scanning and aberration-corrected Transmission Electron Microscopy (SEM/TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Optical Microscopy, Image Analysis, and a Metallography Laboratory.

AMCaT serves users from all engineering disciplines, departments of Chemistry, Physics, Textiles, Plant Sciences, the Medical and Veterinary Schools, as well as external clients. The mission of the Facility is to provide a state-of-the-art research infrastructure and professional scienti?c services to support a wide variety of research projects as well as undergraduate and graduate education. Projects carried out at AMCaT include but are not limited to atomic resolution characterization of advanced ceramics, analysis of fuel cells, metal thin ?lms, hetero-phase interfaces and grain boundaries, catalysis, metal composites, complex oxide superlattices, high-temperature semiconductors, ceramic membranes, glasses, nanowires, nanoparticles, plants, soil, cell cultures, etc. Total capital investment in the facility and equipment exceeds $6,000,000 and has primarily emerged from competitive instrumentation grants.

Under administrative direction of the Chief Administrative O?cer and the scientific direction of the Faculty Director, the Laboratory Coordinator coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Advanced Materials Characterization and Testing Laboratory (AMCaT), which includes training new and continuing users, general maintenance of the laboratory equipment, and recharge rate implementation. The selected candidate maintains laboratory equipment for continuous and high-quality operation, trains users and assists with the design and execution of experimental plans, develops and maintains laboratory safety protocols, and maintains standard operating procedures.

POSITION INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Physical Demands: Kneeling - occasionally, Squatting, Stooping, Bending - occasionally
• Lifting Requirements: Up to 50 Pounds (Medium) – occasionally

WORK ENVIRONMENT                                            

• Occasionally work evenings and weekends to meet operational needs of lab users.
• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:      

Minimum Education/Experience                          

• Expertise in operation and maintenance of in at least 3 of the following materials characterization technologies: SEM (with EDX), TEM (including STEM, EELS and EDX), XPS, XRD, FIB, and related specimen preparation techniques.
• Experience with laboratory safety protocols (including radiation and electrical safety, hazardous waste storage and disposal, use of cryogens and compressed gases).
• Experience with troubleshooting vacuum systems (pump maintenance, leak testing, …)

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Strong organizational skills to set priorities and timelines for equipment maintenance and user training in the facility.
• Familiarity with resource allocation and planning to complete projects in a cost-effective manner
• Knowledge of electronics and operating principles of equipment such as vacuum pumps and gauges, high-voltage power supplies, cooling systems and electron guns/x-ray sources such as those employed in the instruments housed in the facility. The ability to conduct routine preventative maintenance of instruments in the facility.

Preferred:         

Preferred Education/Experience            

• B.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related field.
• Expertise in aberration-corrected TEM or STEM.
• Skills and experience in developing fruitful working relations with other university facilities.
• Experience in Python, C++, and/or LabView.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Communication skills for outreach and marketing activities to recruit external users into AMCaT.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees.  To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a University-approved exception or deferral.

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