Job Posting Title:
Research Fellow----
Hiring Department:
McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering----
Position Open To:
All Applicants----
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40----
FLSA Status:
Exempt----
Earliest Start Date:
Immediately----
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Jan 14, 2027----
Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS----
Job Details:
At the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, we lead pioneering research in vital areas such as energy and the environment, human health, materials and manufacturing. We educate students who go on to transform industries, benefit society and improve quality of life. Our undergraduate and graduate chemical engineering programs are consistently ranked in the Top 10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. And with more than 8,000 alumni around the planet innovating, inventing, and leading, we embody the UT vision: what starts here changes the world.
UT Austin, recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Large Employers, provides outstanding employee benefits and total rewards packages that include:
Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 7.75% employer matching funds
Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
The Research Fellow position leads a hands-on photovoltaic research effort based in Austin, TX, with an emphasis on solar energy materials and device development. The role combines scientific leadership with active laboratory research. Responsibilities include setting the research agenda, designing and conducting experiments, and driving innovation in photovoltaic technologies. In addition to leading research, the position works directly in the lab to synthesize materials, fabricate and test devices, and mentor doctoral students and junior researchers. The focus is on leading by example, modeling best practices at the bench while guiding the direction of the research team. Initial one-year appointment, renewable for up to two additional years.
Lead and oversee a research project focused on designing, building, and testing innovative photovoltaic devices using advanced materials and processes.
Utilize the necessary lab infrastructure, including advanced testing equipment and other user facilities.
Mentor and manage a team of doctoral students and junior scientists, providing direction, defining tasks, and fostering a collaborative environment.
Interface with external collaborators, industry partners, and academic leadership
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Ph.D. in engineering, chemistry, or related field received more than 3 years ago
Three (3) years of experience post Ph.D. conducting and publishing research in photovoltaics or advanced materials for energy
Demonstrated track record of developing and testing novel photovoltaic devices, especially nanocrystal technologies
Experience with project management and collaborating in academic/industrial research environments
Proficiency in hands-on lab work, including ink formulation, device fabrication, and physical/electronic characterization
History of leading multidisciplinary teams; strong mentoring skills with doctoral students and junior researchers
Effective communication skills for presenting results and leading team-based research
$80,000+ depending on qualifications
Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished)
May work around chemical fumes
May work around standard office conditions
May work around biohazards
May work around chemicals
Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
Use of manual dexterity
Lifting and moving
There is a flexibility to adjust hours according to evolving project needs and experimental schedules. Typical hours may be 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Resume/CV
Letter of interest
3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left-hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
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Employment Eligibility:
Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.----
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.----
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
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Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
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Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
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Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
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E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
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Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.