Announcement
Details
Open Date
06/29/2026
Requisition Number
PRN45481B
Job Title
Research Science Management
Working Title
Senior Manager, Materials Engineering Management
Career Progression Track
M00
Track Level
M4 - Senior Manager
FLSA Code
Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code?
No
Standard Hours per Week
40
Full Time or Part Time?
Full Time
Shift
Day
Work Schedule Summary
Monday - Friday 8-5pm
VP Area
Academic Affairs
Department
00067 - Material Science and Engineer
Location
Campus
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment
External Posting
Pay Rate Range
70,000-120,000
Close Date
11/30/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
Research Science Management
Direct/Manage/Supervise engineers in the selection, qualification, testing, and failure analysis of materials and processes. Oversee research and strategy development regarding material technologies for various applications and production processes. Lead training and development for engineering staff on material-related trends and topics. Collaborate cross-functionally with design engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement teams to provide materials guidance and expertise. May specialize in polymer, metallurgical, ceramics, or other types of materials. Second-level manager. Manage the activities of first-level managers and/or supervisors. Responsible for hiring, firing, performance appraisals, and pay reviews. Broad knowledge of the field with proven leadership skills.
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.
Responsibilities
This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all aspects of department laboratory operations, ensuring high-quality technical support, training, and services for both internal and external users. The Materials Engineer Manager will act as a key liaison between the department, lab staff, faculty, and user community, supporting research, teaching, and service missions of the department as well as other duties as assigned.
The day-to-day responsibilities will include:
Technical Support & Equipment Oversight: Manage shared laboratory equipment in the MSE department, Materials Characterization Lab (MCL), SMART, and Crus Center facilities, including SEM, XRD, BET, MLA, UV/Vis, TGA/DSC, ICP-MS, electrokinetic analyzer, 3D printers, furnaces, crushing and grinding equipment, solution extraction and separation equipment, and autonomous laboratory equipment. Provide user training, develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), process samples for internal and external clients, and handle billing for equipment usage.
Advanced Characterization & Research Support: Conduct high-level sample characterization and coordinate multi-technique analytical projects. Write technical reports summarizing results and project outcomes for clients. Collect, compare, and synthesize vendor quotes for equipment purchases and service contracts. Interact professionally with internal and external users and work to meet associated research needs.
Instructional and Faculty Support: Support instructional labs by training TAs, students, and technicians operating in the center, preparing demonstrations, and maintaining teaching equipment. Collaborate with faculty on shared equipment use, potential donations, and long-term procurement planning.
Laboratory Operations & Maintenance: Order supplies (e.g., gloves, gases) and maintain an updated chemical inventory. Oversee general housekeeping and lab upkeep. Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and basic repairs on instruments, including alignment, calibration, and component replacement. Coordinate vendor service visits and oversee contract maintenance.
Safety & Compliance: Maintain a safe and compliant work environment in the MCL and Crus Center. Ensure all lab users complete required university EHS training and equipment-specific training. Develop, implement, and enforce safe laboratory procedures. Work with students and researchers to establish best practices and assist in drafting SOPs. Properly manage and dispose of hazardous waste.
Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Senior Manager, Research Science: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.
Preferences
Type
Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
