Research Scientist II

at  Georgia Tech

JOB SUMMARY

The Kumar Group is seeking to hire a Research Scientist II to conduct research on the study of carbon fiber manufacturing to make high strength high modulus carbon fibers, as well as to manufacture low cost carbon fibers. Carbon fibers are being manufactured from polyacrylonitrile precursors, as well as from low cost precursors such as lignin and carbon black. Low energy consuming carbon fibers, e.g. via Joule heating, are also of interest. High temperature ceramic fibers are being manufactured from polymeric precursors including polycarbosilanes, polysilazanes, polyborazines, as well as BNNTs. Research Scientist will have access to state-of-the-art fiber manufacturing and pyrolysis laboratory located in class 1000 cleanrooms. Central facilities including the Materials Characterization Facility provide a vast array of instrumental resources.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or related, and three (3) years of relevant full-time experience after completion of that degree, or
• A Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or related, and five (5) ears of relevant full-time experience after completion of a Bachelor’s degree, or
• A Doctoral degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or related.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred candidates will have experience in combinations of the following areas:

• Experience in combinations of the following areas: materials processing, fiber spinning, carbonization, structure, and properties.
• Experience in structural characterization by X-ray diffraction, DSC, TGA, DMA, XPS, FTIR, NMR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, EDS, and TEM.
• Experience in polymer rheology and mechanical testing.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a stimulating interdisciplinary environment.
• Self-motivation, intellectual independence, and strong data analysis skills.

• To conduct fiber spinning, pyrolysis, and fiber characterization.
• To work collaboratively in a team consisting of undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, research scientists, and technicians.
• To manage various laboratories consisting of fiber processing and characterization equipment.
• To mentor graduate students.
• To conduct routine equipment maintenance.
• To write research papers for publications, prepare research project reports, and prepare technical presentations.