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Senior Research Scholar

Job Description

Posting Number

PG193564EP

Internal Recruitment

No

Working Title

Senior Research Scholar

Anticipated Hiring Range

Commensurate with education and experience.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday; 8am-5pm (In person) Ability to respond to infrequent, but urgent research needs during off hours, such as troubleshooting equipment issues.

Job Location

Raleigh, NC

Department

METRIC Magnetic Resonance Platform Technology

About the Department

The overarching goal of the Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center (METRIC) is to offer clients seamless access to qualitative and quantitative analysis for a diverse range of molecules, supporting research across multiple platform technologies and molecular scales. By coordinating three key platform technologies (Mass Spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography), METRIC provides an integrated, measurement science facility that fosters research and collaboration throughout the greater university community. METRIC provides researchers access to the following services:

  • Mass spectrometry: small molecule identification and structural analysis, targeted and untargeted metabolomics, proteomics, lipidomics, MS imaging.
  • NMR and EPR spectroscopy: small molecule and macromolecular solution structures, protein-ligand interactions, protein dynamics.
  • X-ray crystallography: small molecule and macromolecular crystal structure determination.
  • Education, training and outreach: METRIC offers training to new users, enhances graduate and undergraduate education through providing formal instruction, organizing educational materials, short courses and workshops to support users, maintaining protocols for routine sample handling, and hosting regular forums for users to interact and share new methods.

Essential Job Duties

As a Senior Research Scholar, this position will oversee and manage the day-to-day functions of the Small-molecule Magnetic Resonance platform in the Magnetic Resonance facility. This includes maintaining instrumentation, performing both nitrogen and helium cryofills as needed, collecting data, and assisting users with experimental design and interpretation. This position will be responsible for providing training to new users, and coordinating and facilitating workshops or other educational opportunities. Additionally, this position will manage the financial and administrative operations of the Small-molecular NMR and EPR platforms by preparing and submitting budget and usage reports, drafting and submitting instrumentation proposals, maintaining up-to- date safety plans, and working with METRIC leadership to ensure facility needs are addressed. This position will also be expected to develop and implement outreach efforts, and work closely with faculty to enhance graduate and undergraduate educational opportunities.

Oversight of Daily Operations:
  • Manage the scheduling of instrument time for users, ensuring equitable access and efficient use.
  • Maintain records of instrument usage, maintenance activities, and user training.
  • Serve as the point of contact for client inquiries in small molecule analysis by NMR and EPR.
  • Monitor the operational status of NMR spectrometers on a daily basis.
  • Ensure instruments are calibrated and maintained according to manufacturer specifications.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues promptly to minimize downtime.
  • Implement and enforce safety protocols related to NMR instrument use.
  • Stay abreast of the latest advances in analytical methods and techniques to integrate into research projects.

User Training and Data Analysis:
  • Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample handling and preparation to ensure consistency.
  • Provide training sessions for new users on NMR instrument operation, safety procedures, and data interpretation.
  • Support users in experimental design, data acquisition, and analysis techniques.
  • Collaborate with researchers to optimize experimental parameters for various applications.
  • Assist in data interpretation and troubleshooting of experimental results.

Instrument Maintenance and Repair:
  • Develop and execute preventative maintenance schedules for all NMR instruments and helium recovery system.
  • Coordinate with service providers for regular maintenance and repairs.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot technical problems, coordinating with vendors when necessary.
  • Maintain inventory of spare parts and consumables required for NMR and EPR operations.

Administrative Responsibilities:
  • Develop and manage budgets related to instrument maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.
  • Collaborate with administrative staff to ensure compliance with institutional policies and regulations.
  • Coordinate with the operations coordinator to ensure adequate supplies; ensure continuity of operations by coordinating maintenance of major instrumentation and associated ancillary equipment.
  • Prepare detailed reports and visualizations of data for internal review, publication in scientific journals, and inclusion in grant applications.
  • Ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements related to biosafety, data management, and ethical standards.

Other Responsibilities

Additional duties as assigned based on institutional needs and priorities.

Minimum Education and Experience

Relevant Ph.D degree (or relevant terminal degree), with at least 5 years of formal “Post-Doc” training and/or post-degree professional work experience with a demonstrated record of research achievement, or relevant Master’s degree, plus at least 8 years of exceptional relevant professional work experience and a record of research achievements. In rare instances, an individual with comparable professional experience but less than a master’s degree will be considered, on an exception basis. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Other Required Qualifications

  • Advanced knowledge of NMR theory, methodology, and hardware.
  • Significant experience in acquiring and processing NMR spectra for small molecule organic structure elucidation.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop workflows and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Must possess exceptional communication skills, including written and verbal, be highly organized and detail-oriented.
  • Must be able to work independently, use initiative, prioritize tasks, and anticipate potential pressure points in workflows. 
  • Ability to develop and maintain productive collaborative work relationships with all clients by listening, understanding and responding to apparent and underlying needs and continually seeking to provide the highest quality service to all.
  • Must be able to move gas cylinders and large dewars of liquid nitrogen and helium.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prefer experience with Topspin and Bruker NMR consoles.
  • Prefer experience with console, magnet, and workstation maintenance.
  • Prefer familiarity with EPR, mass spectrometry, and/or x-ray diffraction.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required

No

Commercial Driver's License required

No

Job Open Date

08/07/2024

Anticipated Close Date

Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach a cover letter, resume/CV and contact information for three professional references. Email inquiries should be sent to Joe Barycki, Director, METRIC, at joe_barycki@ncsu.edu

Position Number

00062464

Position Type

EHRA Non-Faculty

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

1.0

Appointment

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID

210203 - METRIC Magnetic Resonance Platform Technology

AA/EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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