RESEARCH ASSISTANT - Materials Science and Engineering #00097677

Materials Science and Engineering

We are seeking a motivated Post-Baccalaureate Research Associate to join our Advanced Ceramics & Ultra-High Temperature Materials Group. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research on ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs), with applications spanning hypersonic aerospace systems and next-generation nuclear reactors. This is an excellent opportunity for a recently graduated student to deepen their experimental skills and gain hands-on research experience in a dynamic laboratory environment.

Research Areas

The research associate will contribute to two primary areas:

• Oxidation resistance, mechanical and thermal properties of ZrB2, ZrC, based ceramics.
• Investigation of W2B5 ceramics for nuclear fusion reactor applications.

Key Responsibilities

Processing & Fabrication

• Synthesize and process UHTC powders (ZrB2, ZrC, ZrB2-SiC, W2B5) using established powder processing routes.
• Perform densification of ceramics via sintering techniques (e.g., spark plasma sintering, hot pressing).

Sample Preparation

• Prepare and machine sintered specimens to prescribed geometries for mechanical property testing (e.g., flexural strength bars, hardness coupons, fracture toughness specimens).
• Polish specimens for microstructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), including cross-sections of oxidized or thermally exposed samples.
• Crush and sieve powders and prepare mounts for X-ray diffraction (XRD) phase analysis.

Mechanical Testing

• Conduct mechanical property measurements including hardness (Vickers/Knoop), flexural strength, and fracture toughness on dense ceramic specimens.
• Support elevated-temperature mechanical testing as required by individual projects.
• Document test conditions, load-displacement data, and failure observations with rigor.
  
  

Characterization

• Operate or assist in the operation of SEM for microstructural imaging and EDS compositional analysis of as-sintered, oxidized, and mechanically tested specimens.
• Perform XRD measurements for phase identification and semi-quantitative phase analysis; assist with data reduction and interpretation.
• Support thermal property measurements (e.g., thermal diffusivity/conductivity) and oxidation resistance testing.

General

• Maintain accurate laboratory records and contribute to progress reports and publications.
• Uphold laboratory safety standards and comply with all relevant safety protocols.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, or a closely related field (recently conferred).
• Hands-on experience with powder processing and sintering of advanced ceramics.
• Proficiency in sample preparation for SEM (metallographic polishing) and XRD (powder crushing and sieving).
• Familiarity with mechanical property testing of ceramics or brittle materials.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to laboratory safety.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with refractory ceramics or boride/carbide ceramic systems.
• Experience operating SEM or analyzing XRD data (e.g., Rietveld refinement, phase quantification).
• Exposure to high-temperature testing techniques for mechanical and thermal properties.
• Interest in nuclear materials or hypersonic thermal protection systems.

Posted until filled

University Information
Missouri S&T is one of the nation's leading research universities with over 100-degree programs in 39 disciplines. It was founded in 1870 as one of the first technological institutions west of the Mississippi River. Located about 100 miles west of St. Louis in the vibrant community of Rolla, Missouri S&T is an accessible, safe, and friendly campus surrounded by Ozarks' scenery. Missouri S&T offers undergraduate degrees in engineering, the sciences, liberal arts, humanities, and business, with M.S. and Ph.D. programs available in many of the science and engineering programs. With over 7,000 students and 300 faculty, Missouri S&T is big enough to accommodate a broad population, yet small enough for individuals to build high visibility and impactful careers.

COLLEGE of ENGINEERING & COMPUTING (CEC)
Missouri S&T's College of Engineering and Computing is the largest of three colleges at S&T, accounting for approximately 80% of the total enrollment (about 4,500 undergraduates and 800 graduate students). The college includes more than 170 ranked faculty members who serve in 16 undergraduate programs, all with master's and doctoral equivalents organized into nine academic departments. The college recently added a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering and a Ph.D. in bioengineering, both starting in fall 2024. Missouri S&T, supported by the College of Engineering and Computing, is nationally recognized for its career outcomes and ROI.

About Rolla
Rolla, Missouri offers several great advantages that help individuals enjoy a high quality of life. Rolla is an ideal place for families, with its low cost of living, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a range of recreational activities suitable for all ages. The Ozark Scenic Riverways and beautiful landscapes offers abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of every lifestyle. With its vibrant community, Rolla hosts multiple events, concerts, art exhibitions, and theater performances throughout the year. The university's Leach Theatre showcases nationally renowned performers for campus and community alike. Overall, living in Rolla offers a high quality of life with a supportive community, affordable living, beautiful natural surroundings, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.

This position is not eligible for University benefits. Individuals in non benefit eligible positions may choose to participate in the Tax Deferred Annuity Plan (403b). For information about this plan, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 573-341-7734.