Research Scientist II - Ma Research Laboratory

Title: Research Scientist II - Ma Research Laboratory

Employee Classification: Research Scientist II

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Science

Department: UNT-Chemistry-121200

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and discipline, in accordance with university guidelines and available funding.

FTE: 1.00

Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The Ma research lab has been focusing on the development of advanced functional porous materials including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and porous organic polymers (POPs) for energy, biological, environmental-related applications with over 400 papers published thus far including more than 100 publications in top journals such as Nature Nature Synthesis, Nature Commun.J. Am. Chem. Soc.Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Science Adv.ChemAdv. Mater.ACS Cent. Sci. After serving at the University of South Florida for ten years, Dr. Shengqian Ma moved to the University of North Texas as the Robert A. Welch Chair in Chemistry in August 2020. The Ma Lab at the University of North Texas was newly renovated in January 2022 with over 3,000 square feet and has purchased a large number of new instruments/facilities to facilitate the research in porous materials such as Rigaku SmartLab X Powder X-ray Diffractometer, Rigaku XtaLAB Synergy-I Single Crystal X-ray Diffractometer, JOEL SEM, DRIFTS, Micromeritics ASAP2020, ASAP2020 Plus, 3FLEX Gas Sorption Analyzer, HPVA-II High-Pressure Gas Sorption Apparatus, DVS Vapor Sorption apparatus, Maruun LabMaster Glove box, Solvent Purification System, Millipore water purifier. To learn more about the Ma Lab at the University of North Texas, please visit the Ma Research Website: https://sites.chemistry.unt.edu/~sqma/.

Position Overview

This role is to provide independent scientific and technical leadership, student mentoring, laboratory oversight, design/execution of complex experiments, management of funded projects, and development of competitive research proposals. Its core scientific focus is advancing porous materials and scalable technologies for the selective extraction and recovery of critical minerals from waste streams and unconventional resources, translating fundamental materials research into practical technologies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science or chemical engineering
• Strong communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in MOF synthesis is desirable
• Experience in organic synthesis would be beneficial
• Valuable know-how: SCXRD and PXRD

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Job Duties

• Design, execute, and optimize experiments
• Write grant proposals, manage multiple research projects and deliver milestones on schedule 
• Analyze, interpret, and contribute to scholarly and funding outputs including journal publications and conference presentations 
• Maintain and upkeep major laboratory equipment, provide training for their use and coordinate scheduling 
• Supervise and provide technical mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students
• Ensure laboratory safety and regulatory compliance 
• Manage Laboratory operations and resources 
• Support the laboratory's overall research and training mission 

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Varies based upon assignment

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.