The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is a national leader in scientific and engineering research, serving government, industry, and nonprofit customers. UDRI is ranked first in the nation among all colleges and universities for sponsored materials research, according to the National Science Foundation. We employ people with a passion for innovation and reward that passion with the freedom to grow their research interests and careers. Because our research is externally funded, UDRI operates like a business while remaining part of a private doctoral university. As a result, our researchers can collaborate with recognized peers throughout UDRI, UD faculty and students, and researchers at our sponsor and partner locations.

This position is for a staff member with experience in the mechanical and thermophysical testing of glass, ceramic, and CMC materials, failure analysis, and glass and ceramic materials chemistry and processing. The engineer will be involved in a broad spectrum of activities, from testing to research. The successful candidate will be testing novel materials and unique material geometries and perform materials characterization. The position requires hands-on testing of materials in various atmospheres at elevated temperatures and interaction with professional colleagues and mid-level management across the Institute. In addition, the successful candidate will manage a fully operational ISO 9001 certified testing laboratory and will maintain the laboratory’s certification.

Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Materials Science/Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, or a related field.
- A minimum of 10 years of directly related experience
- Demonstrated expertise in materials science fundamentals, including ceramic and refractory materials, glasses, phase transformations, and structure.
- Experience in managing a mechanical testing laboratory.
- Demonstrated ability to perform complex data analysis.
- Experience in managing a variety of projects simultaneously.
- Self-motivation with an entrepreneurial spirit and ability to thrive in a “soft money” research environment.
- Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills necessary to work in a multidisciplinary team environment, author technical and scientific reports and publications, and deliver scientific presentations.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
- Due to the nature of this position, U.S citizenship or permanent residency is required.

Preferred Qualifications
While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will
bring many of the following:

- Managing an ISO 9001 certified testing laboratory to include equipment maintenance and budgets.
- Experience using materials characterization tools such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction.
- Experience in evaluating the high-temperature corrosion and mechanical behavior of ceramics, metals, and composite materials.
- Experience with materials synthesis and processing techniques of glasses, ceramics, and environmental barrier coatings to achieve desired mechanical, thermal, or optical properties.
- Experience with ISO 9001.
- Experience with high temperatures furnaces and mechanical test systems.

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.