Senior Research Engineer

Senior Research Engineer – University of Georgia

Position located in Athens, GA. Department:
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.

Employment Type:

Full-time. Salary:
Commensurate with experience.

Position Summary

This advanced professional role involves research, development, planning, organizing, evaluating, and directing programs and projects in a Synchrotron Research Facility. The employee will engage in design, integration, and maintenance of beamline instrumentation, oversee automation and motion control systems, and support scientific operations at the SER‑CAT beamline.

• Research and propose upgrades to beamline automated systems, including sample mounting automation and data collection/processing automation.
• Provide engineering support for installation and commissioning of new beamline automation equipment.
• Oversee procurement of new beamline automation equipment and supplies.
• Supervise and participate in maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of beamline automation hardware, including sample changers, diffractometers, and detector supports.
• Research and propose upgrades to beamline motion control systems.
• Supervise and participate in maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of motion control hardware, including delta‑tau motion controllers, servo and stepper motors, and associated amplifiers and drivers.
• Oversee procurement of new motion control equipment and supplies.
• Research and propose upgrades to beamline control systems.
• Supervise and participate in maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of beamline control systems, including protection systems controlled by Allen Bradley PLCs.
• Use CAD/CAM systems for design and implementation of beamline components and experimental equipment.
• Document new beamline capabilities and prepare technical reports, research articles, and poster presentations.
• Work autonomously on complex design and integration tasks in all defined beamline systems.
• Assist with supervising the work of subordinate beamline personnel.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent, with at least 2 years of professional experience.
• Strong working knowledge of synchrotron beamline components (monochromators, sample goniometers, etc.).
• Experience with AutoCAD or similar drawing packages.
• Proficiency in cryogenic systems and vacuum technology.
• Knowledge of servo and stepper motors, amplifiers, and drivers.
• Experience with motion control hardware (delta‑tau, Galil controllers).
• Experience with experiment automation.
• Experience with beamline operations.

• Normal office and laboratory working conditions.
• Ability to lift and move objects up to 50 lbs (e.g., shipping dewar).

Equal Opportunity Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations may contact Central HR at hrweb
.

Background Investigation: Offers are contingent on completion of a background investigation, including a criminal background check, a credit check (if applicable), and reference checks.

Recruitment Contact:
Dr. John Chrzas
Email:
chrzas
Phone: (phone omitted)

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter