USRA’s NASA Academic Missions Services (NAMS) mission is to make a distinctive impact through scientific and technical accomplishments by performing strategic multi-disciplinary, integrative research and science that supports NASA’s long-term mission requirements.  A key purpose of this mission is to advance our understanding of electronic sensor devices through the applications of advanced nanotechnologies.  This is achieved through close collaboration with the Exploration Technology Division at NASA’s Ames Research.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Associate Scientist position for Nanoelectronics will conduct research to advance our understanding of nanoelectronics devices will enhance human exploration and unmanned exploration of space and planetary surfaces.  This position is a strategic hire to conduct research and enable research and development collaborations in Nanoelectronics through the following:

• Development of advanced nanotechnologies for chemical and biochemical sensor applications
• Design and development of electrochemical sensor packages and other nanoelectronics devices
• Application of molecular biology assay techniques for optimized sensor performance in the areas of specificity, reliability and reproducibility

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Satisfy USRA's non-profit mission by making a distinctive impact through scientific and technical accomplishments in the assigned research projects.

• Directly perform, and publish, research at the highest standards as a as a member of a larger research project.
  • Plan, schedule, and conduct activities in all phases of research projects as a member of a larger research team.
  • Perform experiments, collect and analyze data.
  • Prepare research results for publication in reports, papers, journals, books, and other media.
• Engage academic, industrial, and government research communities in collaborative research through activities such as seminars and other talks, workshops, and conferences.
  • Prepare and deliver briefings and presentations to various national and international seminars, talks or lectures for dissemination of knowledge including educational outreach.
  • Write publications of value to the field as evidenced by favorable reviews, by citation in the work of others, by presenting papers to professional societies, and/or will have contributed inventions, new designs or research
  • Engage the academic community in research work through research collaborations, visits, invited guests, workshops, conferences, etc.
  • Serve as a PI or Co-I on proposal submissions to funding opportunities
• Continue to learn and develop skills and expertise including completing all trainings as are required.

Additional Responsibilities

• Act safely, ethically and in compliance with all laws and regulations and USRA policies and procedures including protecting NASA and USRA intellectual property, complying with ITAR/EAR rules, and completing all required training as scheduled.
• Work effectively with others including functional staff for day-to-day operations and efforts to improve operational excellence.
• Support efforts by USRA Management to ensure that USRA conducts its business operations in an effective, cost-competitive, and professional manner

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 0-3 years of work experience and publication experience in the field of Genetics and/or Molecular Biology.  
• A strong track record of research success as evidenced by publishing related work in peer reviewed journals and contributing to obtaining new funding in the areas above.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

EDUCATION:

• Ph.D. degree in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or related discipline.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with antibodies, gold nanoparticles, functionalization of surfaces with biomolecular receptors.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:  

• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinates work of others, and meets multiple deadlines.
• Ability to communicate through conference presentations and scientific publications is essential.
• Ability to propose credible and innovative research projects, develop the necessary skills to perform the work, and carry out the research, providing the required reporting to the granting agency in a timely fashion.
• Ability to interpret USRA and Federal Policies and Procedures necessary to function in a scientific research environment that is enabled through U.S. Government funds.
• Advanced experimental and analytical skills.

TECHNOLOGY:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or similar and its applications.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This job operates in a professional office and laboratory environments. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. This role also involves adhering to safety standards and practices for operating in the laboratory environment.

TRAVEL: 

Minimal travel.

Applicants should apply to the posting at HTTPS://USRACAREERS.SILKROAD.COM/ and include a letter of interest, resume, or curriculum vita.  Review of candidates will begin immediately.  Additional information on USRA can be found at WWW.USRA.EDU. 

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Required Skills Required Experience

• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Complex credit analysis and decisioning skills.
• Ability to structure, price and manage complex and large portfolio transactions to achieve organizational goals.
• Broad knowledge of banking products and services. 
• The ability to lift up to 20lbs.
• Travel as required.
• Ability to work effectively in a high-pressure and fast-paced environment.
• The ability to work independently and in teams.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and adapt to change in the work environment.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Highly motivated, self-driven individual who can think strategically, operate independently and take accountability for the function.
• Ability to motivate, influence and collaborate with others both internally and externally.
• Must have the ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment and prioritize your focus on most impactful activities.
• Strong oral and written communication skills when interacting with internal and external clients.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• The ability to effectively manage others.
• Demonstrates a commitment to Relationships F•I•R•S•T in all areas of job performance.