PIE Materials Scientist

Hiring Department

MRR Research & Education

Job Description

The PIE Materials Scientist leads MURR's post‑irradiation examination work in the new materials laboratory. The scientist designs test matrices, performs and directs mechanical testing and electron microscopy of irradiated materials, interprets results, and serves as the primary scientific contact for industry and academic partners.

• Post‑irradiation examination and research (30%). Plan and perform PIE on irradiated specimens, including tensile (stress–strain), hardness and microhardness, and, as capabilities grow, fracture toughness, creep, or fatigue testing. Perform SEM, EDS, and EBSD, and TEM or FIB where available, to characterize radiation damage and failure modes.
• Laboratory setup (25%). Working with the Laboratory Director, help define the laboratory's scope, layout, and equipment list and write specifications and procurement justifications. Commission and qualify instruments, including shielded or remote handling for radioactive specimens, and write SOPs and QA documentation suitable for NQA‑1 sponsors.
• Industry and academic liaison (25%). Scope studies with industry partners, national laboratories, and MU faculty, including objectives, test matrices, schedules, cost estimates, and statements of work. Lead and contribute to proposals, represent MURR at technical meetings, and co‑advise graduate students.
• Supervision, reporting, and publication (10%). Direct the day‑to‑day work of the Materials Research Technician and train students and visiting users. Analyze data, write sponsor reports, and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Safety, compliance, and other duties (5%). Work under MURR's NRC license and ALARA principles, prepare experiment documentation for review committees, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in materials science and engineering, nuclear engineering, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, physics, or a closely related field, conferred by the start date.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with mechanical testing (tensile at minimum) and scanning electron microscopy, including sample preparation.
• Research experience in radiation effects in materials, nuclear materials, or materials for extreme environments.
• Record of peer‑reviewed publications or technical reports.
• Ability to explain technical results clearly to industry and non‑specialist audiences.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctoral degree in related/relevant area and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of postdoctoral, national laboratory, or industry experience in nuclear materials.
• Direct PIE experience with neutron‑irradiated materials in a hot cell, glovebox, or shielded facility.
• Experience with TEM, FIB lift‑out, atom probe tomography, nanoindentation, or small‑specimen test techniques.
• Experience setting up a new laboratory or commissioning major instruments.
• Familiarity with ASTM mechanical test standards and ASME NQA‑1.
• Track record of funded proposals with DOE, NSUF, NEUP, or industry sponsors, and a professional network in the advanced reactor or nuclear materials community.

Shift

Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Salary Range

Salary Range: $97,552 - $136,656 per year

Grade

Grade: GGS M14

University Title

University Title: Research Scientist

Internal Applicants

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Other Information

A life‑saving operation in the middle of America — the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) — needs you to help guide its future. MURR is expanding its critical cancer‑fighting and medical isotope production. MURR’s reactor is the highest‑power university research reactor in the United States, operating at 10 megawatts, 6.5 days a week and 52 weeks a year. The MURR facility enables research across many disciplines – From investigating ancient cultures and how plants respond to their environment, to analyzing industrial materials and developing radiopharmaceuticals that have lifesaving clinical applications. The MURR facility is a reliable resource for researchers, scientists, engineers and students across the country. Be a part of the future of fighting cancer and saving lives. Be a part of MURR.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vi