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Los Angeles, California, United States
Onsite
The USC Viterbi School of Engineering seeks a Staff Scientist specializing in X-ray characterization to support collaborative research, instrumentation operations, and user training within the Core Center of Excellence in Nano Imaging (CNI), a shared instrumentation facility serving researchers across engineering and the physical and life sciences.
The Staff Scientist provides scientific and technical expertise in X-ray characterization methods, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The position collaborates with faculty, researchers, students, and other facility users to design and conduct experiments, prepare samples, interpret results, and apply advanced characterization methods to a broad range of research questions.
The position is responsible for supporting the safe, reliable, and effective operation of assigned instruments and associated sample preparation equipment. The Staff Scientist develops user protocols and training materials, qualifies independent instrument users, supports research and instrumentation proposals, and remains current on emerging X-ray characterization technologies and methods.
The Core Center of Excellence in Nano Imaging (CNI) is a USC core center co-managed by the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, and is co-led by James Boedicker, Co-Director and Professor of Physics and Biological Sciences, and Javakanth Ravichandran, Co-Director and Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering. Additional information about the facility is available through the USC Core Center of Excellence in Nano Imaging.
CORE DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
REPORTING LINE AND ADMINISTRATIVE HOME
This position reports through the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (MFD), which serves as the administrative home for the role within the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. The position supports CNI operations and collaborates with CNI leadership, faculty, staff, and facility users across the participating schools.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
WORK MODALITY
This is a full-time onsite position based at USC’s University Park Campus in Los Angeles, California. The position is not eligible for remote work and requires regular onsite presence to operate and maintain instrumentation, train and assist users, support experiments, and meet facility needs. The employee may be required to adjust the work schedule based on instrument operations, research activities, training sessions, workshops, maintenance requirements, or other operational needs.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the mission of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Viterbi staff are expected to foster a culture of support and service, model civility and respectful engagement, maintain high ethical and professional standards, and protect confidential or sensitive information encountered through their work.
COMPENSATION
The annual base salary range for this position is $98,836.15 to $119,497.99. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors including, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s experience, education, training, and key skills; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, and local laws; contractual requirements; grant funding; and external market and organizational considerations.
Minimum Education: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
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