Research Scientist III

South Dakota State University seeks a full-time Research Scientist III for its Civil & Environmental Engineering department. The role involves advancing research on microsensors for climate-resilient water management, focusing on molecular-level studies and community engagement. Responsibilities include R&D, grant proposal preparation, and student mentorship. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in physics, electronics, or nanotechnology. The position is based in Rapid City, SD, and is not remote.
Posting Details

Posting Details

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Institution
South Dakota Mines

Working Title
Research Scientist III

Posting Number
NFE02553P

Department
SDSMT-Civil & Environmental Engineering

Physical Location of Position (City)
Rapid City

Posting Text

The Civil & Environmental Engineering department at South Dakota Mines is seeing a Research Scientist III to join their department. This is a full-time, regular, benefited position.

Project description: The candidate will advance convergence research, field studies, education, and outreach for our NSF RII-T2 project, with a focus on developing next generation, microsensors. Through NSF AQUA-CLIME (Award 2418752), we aim to create a climate change research network engaging research experts, Indigenous communities, and academic partners. This network will integrate sensor technologies, molecular data analysis, and community strategies to develop climate-resilient water management solutions. The candidate will conduct molecular-level research to understand contaminant-water interactions under diverse climate scenarios, identifying molecular signatures and developing sensitive microsensors for pollutant detection. By combining Indigenous knowledge with advanced sensing technologies, the project will deliver intelligent, affordable monitoring systems for real-time insights, supporting decision-making and resilience against water challenges like shortages, contamination, and extreme weather. The candidate will advance research and outreach, focusing on integrating AI/ML-driven sensor technologies, molecular-level studies, sense and understand subtle contaminant interactions and identify molecular signatures. This work will drive innovation in microsensors for real-time pollutant detection and climate-resilient water management. By integrating AI/ML tools and Indigenous knowledge, the project aims to develop intelligent, affordable monitoring systems to enhance decision-making and resilience against water challenges

Duties and responsibilities: Job duties focus on Research and Development, emphasizing surface science and sensor optimization, preparing grant proposals and secured funding, and expanding research efforts, outreach and community engagement, student research and traineeship, and project management. The candidate will advance surface science and sensor technology by developing advanced sensors for environmental applications. They will leverage surface characterization techniques such as Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM), Friction Force Microscopy (FFM), and Raman spectroscopy to analyze and optimize sensor surfaces. They will utilize electronic characterization techniques to evaluate and enhance sensor performance. The candidate will engage in community outreach and educational initiatives, sharing knowledge with undergraduate and graduate students and diverse stakeholders, including industry and government partners. The candidate will foster inter-institutional and international partnerships and guide students in conducting transformative research that contributes to high-impact journal publications. The candidate will contribute to lead research group meetings, preparation of reports, and publications.

Qualifications: Candidates for this position must hold a Ph.D. in physics, electronics, nanotechnology, or a related engineering field by the start date. The ideal candidate will have specialized knowledge in advanced sensors based on nano- and micro-electromechanical systems, chemical and gas sensors, and nanostructured engineering. Expertise in heterostructured materials, nanoscale mechanics, and tribology is preferred, as well as in fabricating and testing them. Candidates are expected to have strong post-doctoral training in research related to the application of nanomaterials in emerging sensor technologies, including strain-induced sensors and microsensors. This background is essential to demonstrate expertise in the fabrication and testing of advanced sensors tailored for environmental applications. Additionally, a robust publication record and interdisciplinary experience in these fields are desirable to fulfill the position's responsibilities effectively.

Required Application materials: The applicant should upload recent curriculum vitae; a cover letter describing your interest in the job, how your background relates to this position, how this position can help you reach your career goals, and three letters from references (focusing on how the candidate will fit the position description), statement of research (upload as other), pdf files of three impactful publications (upload as work or writing sample), all aligning with the job description. The research statement could include impactful ideas for competitive proposals which showcase candidate's expertise, vision, and potential for transformative contributions in the field.

South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage options for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Individuals interested in this position must apply online at Careers at Mines (sdsmt.edu). Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203. Review of applications will begin December 16, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Posting Date
12/02/2024

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

First Consideration Date
12/16/2024

Advertised Salary
$68,670 - $70,000 dependent on education and experience

Duration of the Term
12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
100

Work Hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type
Regular

Faculty Status
No

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires
Travel, No Requirement

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

South Dakota Mines is a best-in-class STEM university that offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees located in Rapid City, the state's second largest city with a MSA population of over 158,000. With 226 days of sunshine, 1.2 million acres of breathtaking scenery of the Black Hills National Forest, 700 miles of motorized trails and nearly 500 miles of hiking trails, there is a lot to see and do. People from around the world come here each year to see top attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, Terry Peak Ski Area, and Reptile Gardens. There's something for everybody!

At Mines, our vision is to develop world-class leaders in science and engineering to benefit society through education, innovation, and engagement. Nearly 2,500 students from every state and over 40 countries are represented on our campus. Mines is an affordable option with a great return on investment.

Known for our academic rigor, we maintain an average class size of 24 and our students benefit from immersive learning experiences including undergraduate research, co-ops/internships, and nationally competitive engineering teams. These experiences make graduates highly sought after by industry and attributes to high starting salaries and 98% placement rate in the field of study.

Research at Mines encompasses four main areas: energy and environment; materials and manufacturing; STEM education; and underground science and engineering. Entrepreneurship is highly valued and programming assists students and faculty to engage in entrepreneurial activities and transition scientific and technological innovations into viable products and business startups.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota Mines does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status in employment or the provision of service.

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