FA27-028: Senior Research Fellow

Department

National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC)

Position Purpose

The NCERC Senior Research Fellow position provides scientific, analytical, and technical support for NCERC research programs, fermentation studies, and commercial laboratory services. The position performs laboratory analyses, supports quality assurance and quality control activities, maintains scientific equipment, documents and interprets experimental results, and assists with client- sponsored research projects.

The position is responsible for maintaining the accuracy, integrity, reliability, and appropriate documentation of laboratory data. The employee works collaboratively with researchers, engineers, operating personnel, students, laboratory colleagues, and external clients to support the successful completion of research, testing, and commercialization activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Laboratory Testing and Scientific Analysis
   • Perform chemical, biological, fermentation-related, and other scientific laboratory analyses using established methodologies, protocols, and instrumentation.
   • Prepare samples, reagents, standards, and materials required for laboratory testing.
   • Record, evaluate, and interpret laboratory and experimental results.
   • Identify data anomalies, inconsistencies, or testing concerns and take appropriate steps to verify results.
   • Assist with the preparation Of scientific reports, technical documentation, and summaries of analytical results.
   • Maintain the integrity, accuracy, and traceability Of data generated for research sponsors and commercial clients.
2. Quality Assurance and Quality Control
   • Conduct quality assurance and quality control activities associated with laboratory testing, fermentation research, and pilot plant trials.
   • Verify that testing is conducted according to established scientific protocols, client requirements, standard operating procedures, and applicable quality standards.
   • Review analytical processes and results for accuracy, completeness, consistency, and compliance.
   • Document deviations, testing concerns, corrective actions, and other quality-related information as required.
   • Protect the integrity and reliability of scientific data provided to researchers, sponsors, and clients.
3. Research, Pilot Plant, and Client Project Support
   • Provide laboratory and analytical support for NCERC research studies, pilot plant trials, fermentation projects, and commercial testing services.
   • Perform specialized assays and tests based on approved project protocols and client requirements.
   • Coordinate with researchers, engineers, operating personnel, and laboratory colleagues regarding sampling, testing schedules, analytical needs, and reporting requirements.
   • Support sample receipt, identification, preparation, storage, tracking, and archival activities.
   • Communicate laboratory results and technical information to appropriate NCERC personnel and project stakeholders.
   • Assist in resolving scientific or analytical issues that could affect project completion, data quality, or client requirements.
4. Method Development and Standard Operating Procedures
   • Assist with the development, evaluation, validation, and implementation of analytical methods using HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, FTIR, DLS and fluorescence microscopy.
   • Prepare, review, and maintain standard operating procedures and other laboratory documentation.
   • Evaluate testing methods and laboratory processes to identify opportunities for improved accuracy, efficiency, consistency, or safety.
   • Support the incorporation of appropriate analytical techniques needed for research and commercial laboratory activities.
   • Ensure approved procedures are followed consistently and appropriately documented.
5. Laboratory Equipment and Instrumentation
   • Operate scientific instruments and laboratory equipment in accordance with established procedures and manufacturer requirements.
   • Perform routine calibration, preventive maintenance, operational checks, and basic troubleshooting.
   • Identify equipment malfunctions, analytical irregularities, and maintenance or repair needs.
   • Coordinate equipment service or repair with supervisors, technical resources, or equipment vendors, as appropriate.
   • Maintain equipment records, calibration information, service documentation, and related laboratory records.
   • Recommend equipment, instrumentation, supplies, or process improvements that support laboratory safety and analytical capabilities.
6. Laboratory Supplies and Operational Readiness
   • Monitor laboratory supplies, chemicals, standards, reagents, and Other materials needed to support testing and research activities.
   • Assist with identifying, ordering, receiving, organizing, and maintaining laboratory supplies.
   • Maintain laboratory workspaces, materials, and equipment in an orderly and operationally ready condition.
   • Support inventory control and appropriate storage of laboratory materials.
   • Notify the appropriate supervisor of supply shortages, equipment concerns, or other conditions that could affect laboratory operations or project schedules.
7. Safety and Regulatory Compliance
   • Perform all work in accordance with applicable federal, state, University, laboratory, environmental health and safety, and client requirements.
   • Follow established procedures for chemical handling, waste management, equipment operation, emergency response, and use of personal protective equipment.
   • Identify and promptly report unsafe conditions, spills, equipment concerns, procedural deviations, or Other laboratory risks.
   • Participate in required laboratory, safety, equipment, and compliance training.
   • Maintain laboratory areas and equipment in a manner that supports safe and compliant operations.
   • Adhere to client testing protocols and established requirements necessary to preserve data integrity.
8. Training and Technical Support
   • Provide technical guidance and laboratory support to interns, graduate assistants, student employees, and Other laboratory personnel.
   • Demonstrate laboratory procedures, testing methods, equipment operation, safety practices, and documentation requirements.
   • Assist with the orientation and training of newly assigned laboratory personnel.
   • Review work for adherence to established procedures, safety requirements, and quality expectations when assigned.
   • Contribute to a collaborative laboratory environment through effective communication, knowledge sharing, and professional conduct.
9. Other Responsibilities
   • Maintain current knowledge of laboratory methods, scientific practices, instrumentation, safety requirements, and applicable procedural standards.
   • Participate in laboratory meetings, project discussions, safety activities, and process- improvement initiatives.
   • Provide laboratory or pilot plant support outside the regular work schedule when operationally required.
   • Perform other related duties consistent with the purpose and responsibilities of the position.

Supervision and Direction

Assignments are received from NCERC research and executive leadership and may also be driven by approved client protocols and project requirements. The employee collaborates with NCERC staff and exercises professional judgment in organizing laboratory work, addressing routine analytical issues, maintaining data integrity, and supporting research or client testing activities. Federal, state, University, safety, procurement, grant, and client requirements provide governing parameters for the

The position may provide functional direction, technical training, and day-to-day laboratory guidance to graduate assistants, interns, student employees, and other assigned personnel. This description does not independently establish formal hiring, disciplinary, Or termination authority.

Working Relationships

The position maintains regular working relationships with:

• NCERC laboratory personnel.
• NCERC research and executive leadership.
• Research engineers and scientific personnel.
• Operating coordinators and technicians.
• Graduate and undergraduate students, interns, fellows, and postdoctoral personnel.
• Industry clients and research Sponsors.
• Laboratory equipment vendors and technical service providers.

Position Description Statement

This position description identifies the primary purpose and essential responsibilities of the position. It is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of every duty that may be assigned. Responsibilities may be adjusted within the general scope and level Of the position to address changes in research programs, client requirements, laboratory operations, technology, or organizational needs.

Minimum Qualifications

One of the following combinations of education and experience:

1. Master's degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Fermentation Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related scientific field, plus two years of industrial, research, or commercial laboratory experience;

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD degree in related scientific discipline.
• Experience working in a commercial, industrial, pilot-scale, or research laboratory environment.
• Experience supporting fermentation, biofuels, biochemical, analytical, or process- development activities.
• Experience with analytical method development, quality systems, scientific instrumentation, or client-sponsored research.
• Experience providing technical instruction, training, or functional guidance to students or laboratory personnel.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of analytical chemistry, fermentation science, and laboratory practices.
• Knowledge Of laboratory quality assurance, quality control, and data-integrity principles.
• Knowledge Of scientific instrumentation calibration, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting practices.
• Ability to perform scientific analyses accurately and consistently.
• Ability to interpret laboratory data and communicate technical findings.
• Ability to recognize testing irregularities, data anomalies, and equipment concerns.
• Ability to follow complex scientific protocols, standard operating procedures, and client requirements.
• Ability to maintain complete and accurate laboratory records.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments while meeting project requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with researchers, engineers, clients, students, Operating personnel, and laboratory colleagues.
• Ability to provide instruction, technical guidance, and training to others.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment.

Supervision and Direction

Assignments are received from NCERC research and executive leadership and may also be driven by approved client protocols and project requirements. The employee collaborates with NCERC staff and exercises professional judgment in organizing laboratory work, addressing routine analytical issues, maintaining data integrity, and supporting research or client testing activities. Federal, state, University, safety, procurement, grant, and client requirements provide governing parameters for the

The position may provide functional direction, technical training, and day-to-day laboratory guidance to graduate assistants, interns, student employees, and other assigned personnel. This description does not independently establish formal hiring, disciplinary, Or termination authority.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed in laboratory, pilot plant, and industrial research environments. The position may involve exposure to chemicals, elevated temperatures, confined spaces, laboratory instrumentation, and industrial process equipment. Appropriate safety training, personal protective equipment, and environmental health and safety procedures are required.

The position requires the ability to stand for extended periods, perform hands-on laboratory work, operate laboratory and process equipment, and occasionally lift materials or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. Evening, weekend, or shift coverage may occasionally be required to suppon pilot plant trials, laboratory Operations, or client-sponsored projects.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and at least one letter of recommendation.

Deadling: 10/30/2026

Applicants will be subject to a background check prior to an offer of employment.

Employment is contingent upon satisfying all legal requirements as set forth by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in regard to employability in the United States. SIUE makes no representation, warranty, or agreement that third parties, including government agencies, will approve submitted documents, applications, or petitions for an H-1B visa or Optional Practical Training.

SIUE is a state university - benefits under state sponsored plans may not be available to holders of F1 or J1 visas. The State of Illinois requires that immigrant employees achieve H-1 status before they become eligible for certain benefits.

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