Career Opportunities

Job Title: NMR Spectroscopy Researcher Specialist
Department: Innovation & Technology – Analytical Labs
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Travel: < 10%

Link to Application

Position Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled NMR Spectroscopy Researcher to run advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses on polymers, catalysts, and bioproducts, supporting Innovation and Technology initiatives globally. This role combines deep technical expertise with modern data-driven approaches to deliver impactful insights for product development and process optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement cutting-edge NMR methodologies (solution and solid-state) for polymeric materials, catalysts, and bioproducts.
• Operate and maintain high-field and low-field NMR instruments, including MAS probes e CryoProbes, ensuring optimal performance and calibration.
• Apply advanced data analysis techniques, including chemometrics and multivariate analysis, to interpret complex spectra and extract actionable insights.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support R&D projects, troubleshoot challenges, and meet critical milestones.
• Drive automation and digitalization initiatives within the laboratory to enhance efficiency and reproducibility.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and best practices for chemical handling, storage, and waste disposal.
• Contribute to scientific knowledge through publications, patents, and participation in technical conferences.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in NMR spectroscopy, including solution and solid-state applications; experience with relaxometry and low-field NMR is a plus.
• Proficiency in modern data analytics tools (MNova, Python, MATLAB, or similar) for spectral interpretation and automation.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to innovate in experimental design.
• Excellent communication skills for technical reporting and cross-functional collaboration.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and regulatory compliance.

Preferred Competencies

• Familiarity with machine learning applications in spectroscopy and predictive modeling.
• Experience integrating NMR data with complementary techniques (e.g., FTIR, DSC, GPC).
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, global environment.
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring junior researchers and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

The National Energy Technology Laboratory's (NETL's) record of success has been built on understanding the future of energy and the technologies required to make that future possible. We’ve long touted our success in developing the technologies that took on acid rain in the 1970s and mercury in the early 2000s.

Program Goals:
The Professional Internship Program is designed to introduce undergraduate students and recent Bachelor's graduates to the challenges of conducting energy research, and enable graduate students and recent Master's graduates to further build off their studies and experience as they join the scientific community. Participants interact daily with assigned mentors who guide research and project activities during the internship, while they become integral members of project teams.

The program goals include providing the opportunity to participants to:
Develop skills and knowledge in their field of study
Engage with new areas of basic and applied research
Transition classroom theory into hands-on experience
Network with world-class scientists
Exchange ideas and skills with the Laboratory community
Use state-of-the-art equipment
Contribute to answers for today's pressing scientific questions
Collaborate with the broader scientific and technical communities

Use this link to learn more details and find out how to apply
https://zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/NETL-PIP-2025-Burrows

The Polyflex Division of Flex Technologies is hiring a Technical Director for our PVC Compounding Facility in Baltic, OH.  The main duties of the position are to formulate PVC compounds and develop solutions for customer projects.  The Technical Director is also responsible for evaluating new raw materials, plastics laboratory testing, evaluation of results, and authoring Safety Data Sheets and Technical Data Sheets. The Technical Director coordinates with Sales and Production to achieve solutions for customer issues. The Technical Director mentors and trains Laboratory Technicians, and is the main technical/regulatory/chemistry point of contact for any customer questions or questions from other divisions of Flex Technologies.  This position requires good verbal and written communication skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office.

This job is in a manufacturing facility in Baltic, OH. Relocation assistance available for the right candidate.

Flex Technologies offers medical, vision, and dental insurance.  Flex Technologies has a profit sharing program, with twice-yearly bonuses (predicated on the profitability of the corporation).  This position is a great entry point into the plastics/PVC industry.  We are looking for someone with a solid grounding in chemistry, who is willing to learn a lot about thermoplastics quickly, and put that knowledge to work making custom formulations for our customers.  If interested, please send a resume and cover letter to iankaigh@flextechnologies.com.

Funded by an NSF collaborative grant between Professor James MacKay (Elizabethtown College) and Eriks Rozners (Binghamton University), we are continuing the hiring process for a unique organic postdoctoral position opening for 2026 aimed at preparation and training for a future faculty position at a Primarily Undergraduate Institution. The position will be for one year, renewable for a second.  The start date is negotiable with the expectation to begin teaching in either the Spring 2026 or Fall 2026 semesters (start date is flexible). The job posting is available online at:

https://etown.peopleadmin.com/postings/6753

The project involves the design and synthesis of peptide nucleic acid monomers capable of recognizing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The candidate will expand the project on sequence-specific recognition of dsRNA using triplex-forming peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) in new directions. Primarily, they will be responsible for design and synthesis of new PNA monomers for incorporation into PNA to modulate the structure and function of complex non-coding regulatory RNAs. Though the majority of the work will involve synthetic chemistry, the project spans the subdisciplines of chemistry with computational, biophysical, and chemical biology components. Mimicking the responsibilities of a PUI faculty member, the Postdoctoral Associate will be responsible for teaching introductory undergraduate lecture and laboratory courses. The load will involve two or three courses per year and the candidate will work alongside Elizabethtown College chemistry faculty within the School of Sciences and Health receiving extensive mentoring in the area of teaching. We anticipate this as an excellent mentoring opportunity for any PhD who wishes to establish a research active career at a Primarily Undergraduate Institution.

This will be the second time we are offering this opportunity. The first time was a huge success (please see the press release below) and we are delighted to offer this NSF supported training opportunity again. 
https://news.etown.edu/index.php/2024/08/19/teaching-and-research-postdoctoral-associate-leaves-indelible-mark-on-elizabethtown-college-department-of-chemistry-and-biochemistry/

The review of applications are ongoing and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates may contact Professor James A. MacKay (mackayj@etown.edu) with questions.