Job Summary:

The Research Instrumentation Specialist is responsible for supporting research and teaching instrumentation within the College of Science & Engineering. Major responsibilities include maintaining the College’s 400 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers, X-ray Powder Diffractometer (XRD), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) instruments; contacting vendors to arrange and coordinate repairs; and aiding faculty and staff in maintaining and repairing other electronics instrumentation.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Operates, calibrates, and maintains the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers, X-ray Powder Diffractometer (XRD), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) instruments, including refills of cryogenic liquid nitrogen and cryogenic liquid helium on a schedule. Uses appropriate safety measures.
2. Makes minor repairs to NMR, XRD, XPS, and other College electronics instrumentation as needed.
3. Coordinates with vendors and external service providers for larger repairs of instrumentation.
4. Trains students and other parties in use of the NMR and XRD. Supervises use of instruments when needed.
5. Provides support teaching labs that require use of various instrumentation (e.g., NMR, XPS, XRD).
6. Facilitates and supports research projects by assisting in NMR technique selection and application, method development, and troubleshooting.
7. Consults with faculty and staff in the design and construction of specialized instruments and instrument modifications. When requested, consults with faculty, staff, and students on the utilization of modern NMR techniques to advance their research needs.
8. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, science, or other related field and 3 years of relevant experience.
OR
• Associate’s degree and 7 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Previous use of NMR, XRD, or XPS instruments

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• None

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge to build or assemble parts.
• Knowledge to repair or replace parts.
• Knowledge of current electronic technology.
• Knowledge of project management techniques.
• Knowledge of customer service techniques.
• Knowledge of cryogens and filling low temperature devices with LN2 and liquid He.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of vacuum systems.
• Knowledge of electric systems.

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position but may require some travel to data acquisition locations, both domestic and international.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

AA/EEO Statement:

As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. 

About Texas Christian University

TCU is all about the experience. This is a place where students learn how to adapt to whatever the future might bring, develop critical thinking skills and expand their creativity. With a choice of rigorous academic programs in 130 undergraduate areas of study, 61 master’s level programs and 24 areas of doctoral study, Horned Frogs have opportunities to search for meaning and examine values, yet graduate well-prepared for professional accomplishment. Whether in the fine arts or business or engineering, Horned Frogs can develop their full creative potential here. For example, both MBA and undergraduate students at the Neeley School of Business benefit from an experience ranked at the top by Bloomberg Businessweek and U.S. News & World Report — not in spite of, but because of, the focus on the individual. At TCU, professors love being in the classroom. These mentoring teacher-scholars also conduct well-published, leading-edge research, often with undergraduates at their sides. Horned Frogs live, learn and play 24-7 in a 277-acre setting in a vibrant city. They work out in state-of-the-art recreation facilities, catch Big 12 NCAA athletic competition and participate in 200+ organizati...ons, all without leaving the campus. That’s when they’re not providing thousands of hours of volunteer service to their community, interning in New York or LA, practicing journalism in Washington, D.C., experiencing international business in China or perfecting Spanish in Seville. It’s how Horned Frogs are learning to change the world.

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