Research Scientist

Department : Chemistry-318300

Career Area :

Research Professionals

Posting Open Date : 11 / 25 / 2025

Application Deadline :

12 / 10 / 2025

Open Until Filled : No

Position Type :

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title : Research Scientist

Appointment Type : EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number : 20047716

Vacancy ID : NF0009416

Full Time / Part Time :

Full-Time Permanent

FTE : Hours per week :

40

Position Location : North Carolina, US

Hiring Range : $100,000-$115,000

Proposed Start Date :

02 / 02 / 2026

Be a Tar Heel! :

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work / life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit :

The Chemistry Department is one of the largest and most complex departments in the College of Arts & Sciences. There are 43 faculty members, 44 SHRA and EHRA staff positions, 260 graduate students, 33 postdoctoral research associates, 700 undergraduate majors, and an annual total of approximately 10,000 registrations by all students in classroom and laboratory courses. The Department is housed in five buildings with over 580,000 sq. feet of space. The faculty participate in teaching assignments which involve an average of 200 students per faculty member per semester. The majority of faculty are research active and supervise graduate students working on their Masters or Ph.D. degrees, undergraduate students carrying out independent research and honors programs, research technicians and postdoctoral research associates. Primarily the research is funded by federal and private agencies such as NSF, NIH, Army, Navy, DOE, PRF and involves expenditures of more than nineteen million dollars annually. A total of over thirty-two million dollars from all sources is expended annually in the Department.

Position Summary :

The Lead Research Chemist working on the PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) Remediation Pilot project, funded through the NC Policy Collaboratory, will be the driver of innovation for the materials at the center of this project, will help to manage a team of researchers focused on materials development, and will provide consultation on chemistry opportunities and constraints for the manufacturing and engineering teams. To complement and enhance the skills of the candidate, the position will include opportunities for continued professional development in the areas of chemistry, leadership, and translational science.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements :

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience :

• The position will require a talented candidate with a combination of deep knowledge in polymer chemistry and excellent leadership potential
• Demonstrated skills in small molecule and polymer synthesis, to include the synthesis of small molecules with high purity and the synthesis of polymers through different mechanisms
• Demonstrated skills in chemical characterization, to include proficiency in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infra-red spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and calorimetry.
• Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment subject to frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage diverse individuals constructively toward a common goal.
• Recent experience in training or teaching laboratory personnel.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interact productively with a diverse group of individuals, edit and compile materials from multiple sources, and tailor information to various purposes required.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience :

Experience with high resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry is a plus

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities :

Not Applicable.