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Research Scientist (ssNMR & EPR)

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Virginia is seeking qualified candidates for a Research Scientist position in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.

 Role overview: We are seeking a dynamic Research Scientist who will thrive in a collaborative research environment and facilitate applications of solid-state NMR and EPR in chemistry and biology. The Venkatesh research group is advancing solid-state NMR spectroscopy using dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) and fast magic angle spinning (MAS) indirect detection techniques to investigate catalytic materials in energy and health applications. We are currently setting up sophisticated solid-state NMR infrastructure which includes a 400 MHz MAS DNP with 1.3 mm HX and 3.2 mm HXY low temperature MAS probes, and 600 MHz solid-state NMR with 1.3 mm HX and 2.5 mm HFXY MAS probes and a 5 mm HX static probe. In addition, the 800 MHz spectrometer in the NMR core facility will have solid-state NMR capabilities and be equipped with a 1.3 mm HX MAS probe, with opportunities to develop these capabilities further. The scientist will assist in development and application of solid-state NMR for materials characterization, with an emphasis on application and maintenance of the Bruker 400 MHz MAS DNP spectrometer. In addition, UVA Chemistry houses Bruker X-band cw, X-band cw/pulsed, and Q-band pulsed EPR spectrometers. The scientist will work with users in applying EPR methods in chemistry and biology and support equipment maintenance.

 Key Responsibilities:

·       Engage in day-to-day functioning of the MAS DNP instrument

·       Work with the Venkatesh group in developing applications of MAS DNP with opportunities to lead collaborative projects

·       Provide user-support for EPR infrastructure with applications spanning catalysis, materials science and biology 

·       Support maintenance of the solid-state NMR and EPR infrastructure including cryogen fills, equipment maintenance and upkeep

·       Provide training to users of solid-state NMR and EPR instrumentation

 Required Qualifications: A PhD or Master’s degree with significant experience in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field by the start date with a strong background in NMR or EPR spectroscopy.  A PhD degree is preferred.

 Preferred qualifications include:

·       3+ years of post-PhD experience with proven expertise in magnetic resonance as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications

·       Strong track record in advanced solid-state NMR or EPR spectroscopy including implementation of novel pulse sequences, processing techniques and ability to troubleshoot and address hardware issues

·       Experience with MAS DNP

·       Experience with cryogenics, low-temperature NMR/EPR hardware

·       Experience applying multidimensional solid-state NMR methods and/or EPR for characterization in chemistry or biology

 Application Procedure: Apply online at https://jobs.virginia.edu/us/en/job/R0074084

and attach (1) a cover letter indicating your experience relevant to this position and research interests, (2) a curriculum vitae with a full list of publications, and (3) contact information for three individuals who can provide professional reference letters. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded.

 Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin August 1, 2025, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

For questions regarding this position, please contact the chair of the search committee Dr. Amrit Venkatesh, Assistant Professor, at amrit.venkatesh@virginia.edu.

 For questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@virginia.edu.

 For more information on the benefits available to Research Scientists at UVA, visit https://hr.virginia.edu/benefits

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

 

Assistant to the Chair/Department Administrative Assistant

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks applications for an Assistant to the Chair/Department Administrative Assistant. The UVa Chemistry Department currently employs 36 tenured, tenure-track and general, the largest graduate program in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, and an award-winning undergraduate program. More information on the department can be obtained by visiting www.chemistry.as.virginia.edu.

The successful candidate will be expected to perform operational support for a composite of several functions that support the department chair, the department as a whole, and be the department events coordinator. This could include fiscal administration, procurement, academic support, student services, communications, and other administrative functions. The position will be hired at the Senior Administrative Coordinator level. 

Responsibilities will include: 

  • Manage Promotion & Tenure process, including keeping track of letters and pulling records/file management for promotion and tenure.
  • Coordinate seminars and visits of any special guests.
  • Coordinate faculty recruitment, including faculty candidate visits and provide administrative support for faculty hiring committees.
  • Coordinate the departmental retreat and other special events.
  • Assist with preparation of departmental reports.
  • Provide administrative support for peer assessment.
  • Provide administrative support and coordinate submission of faculty awards.
  • Provide administrative support for efforts of faculty led initiatives.
  • Manage special projects as assigned by the department chair.
  • Provide public relations support, by administering the department website, helping with social media, making publicity slides for monitors, etc.
  • Assist with alumni outreach, including coordinating the annual departmental newsletter.
  • Maintain faculty personnel records, including promotions, leaves, etc.
  • Maintain minutes of faculty meetings.
  • Be the administrative assistant to the chair and associate chair. Assist department chair with preparing chair letters and responding to chair emails.
  • Help with room scheduling and parking for dept. events.
  • Perform a variety of duties requiring a broad understanding of organizational operations, procedures, and personnel.
  • Interpret and communicate departmental and divisional policies and procedures, making decisions on specific operating problems and issuing instructions.
  • Study reports received, check and compare with previous reports or other data, and bring to the attention of the supervisor significant items, changes, errors or omissions.
  • Maintain up-to-date department, A&S and University policies and procedures knowledge and advise the department on changes or updates.
  • Set up and maintain office files and keep correspondence and reports available for reference and efficient operation of the office.
  • Independently generate complex and detailed presentations and reports.
  • In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Qualified candidates must have:

Education: High School Diploma

Experience: At least six years’ experience

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities Include:

  • Ability to organize and prioritize work independently,  
  • Excellent writing and communication skills,
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software applications, web-design, and Slate and UVA SIS (Student Information System) applications.
  • Knowledge or previous work experience in higher education environment.
  • Proficiency in project management is a plus. 

The Senior Administrative Coordinator will report to Seth Matula, Department Finance and Administration Manager for the Chemistry Department.

For additional information about the position, please contact Seth Matula, Department Finance and Administration Manager at sem8e@virginia.edu.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

This position is located In Charlottesville, Virginia with the expectation of in-person work.

The anticipated start date is as soon as possible but preferable by August 1, 2025. 

This is a Non-Exempt level, benefited position. 

For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits

This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

To Apply: 

External applicants must apply online at https://jobs.virginia.edu/us/en/job/R0073360/CHEM-Assistant-to-the-Chair-and-Department-Administrative-Assistant .  Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile, search Find Jobs and then R0073360. Complete an application online with the following documents:

•              CV or resume

•              Cover letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration

 

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.