RESEARCH TECHNICIAN IN SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY AND X-RAY
DIFFRACTION
ONE POSITION IS AVAILABLE
Position Title: Technician (Técnico Titular A).
Employment Status: Full-Time, 12 months. The appointment is renewable depending
upon performance and funding. After three years, candidates can apply for tenure.
General Description: The successful candidate will have an understanding of the
theoretical basis of optics or optical physics, a clear analytical approach to problem solving
applied to the interpretation of diffraction patterns and the processing of SEM-generated
images. These studies will support the work of researchers in organic chemistry, plant
secondary compounds and nanotechnology that form part of the Biomimic cluster. As
such, the candidate will be working on the identification of compounds present in ceramics,
minerals, polymers and other natural and synthetic materials.
Responsibilities:
Help generate research at the cutting edge of knowledge.
The candidate will be capable of using analytical and characterization techniques
required in the isolation, identification and characterization of organic molecules with
industrial and/or medical applications.
Collaborate in the identification and characterization of novel molecules or materials
from naturally-derived precursors aimed at identifying physical or chemical attributes
that influence specific physical, chemical or biological characteristics.
The candidate will collaborate extensively with other researchers of the Biomimic
cluster, both in providing technical support in SEM and X-ray diffraction techniques to
the Biomimic community and by participation in collaborative studies.
Innovation or improvement in techniques related to the collection, processing and
presentation of results.
Design of experimental systems and equipment to meet the needs of specific
research problems.
The development of operational guidelines for the maintenance, operation and
calibration of specific laboratory equipment.
Writing of technical reports describing methods, procedures and results of studies
performed.
Maintain the laboratory equipment in optimal working condition and compete for
national and international funding to update and extend the range of equipment as
necessary.
Assist in training Master's and Doctorate students at INECOL, CIMAV, CIQA, CICY,
LANGEBIO and CINVESTAV Irapuato.
Provide technical support for the development of graduate student projects.
Supervise undergraduate student projects.
Collaboration in the technical aspects of publications in high quality scientific journals
and popular magazines intended for the general public.
Help write patents.
Help recruit talents for science and technology among primary, secondary and high
school students.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in metallurgy, physics or a related discipline and preferentially a
Master’s degree in optoelectronics, materials science, chemistry, geology or related
disciplines.
Evidence of having received training in X-ray diffraction studies, such as
crystallographic methods or Rietveld analysis (structure profile refinement).
Experience (~3 years) of practical use of X-ray diffraction techniques, sample
preparation techniques, sample component identification, and the management of the
relevant databases (ICDD, FindIt, etc.).
Evidence of having collaborated in productive projects in topics related to his/her area
of expertise.
Knowledge of electronics (basic and digital) would be highly desirable.
Fluency or a willingness to learn Spanish, both spoken and written, is required; as are
written and spoken skills in English.
Reading and writing in English, is required.
Solid knowledge of statistics applied to pertinent fields.
Experience living and working in Latin America is desirable but not essential.
Excellent interpersonal and multitasking skills, ability to negotiate, to deal with
pressure, complex situations and stress.
Ability to work with the private sector as well as government agencies.
Skills in constructing and working in multidisciplinary teams, especially in providing
technical services related to the production and handling of scanning electron
microscopy as part of multidisciplinary projects.
Work outside of regular business hours including weekends and travel is occasionally
required.
A spirit of collaboration/team working and service to society.
A driving license.
Interested candidates from Mexico and elsewhere in the entire world should send their
updated Curriculum Vitae and additional support material of particular value for members
of the Search Committee (e.g., citation record, relevant awards, narrative of particular
achievements or contributions to science) to Dr. Guillermo Angeles, Secretario Académico
at secretaria.academica@inecol.edu.mx always cc’ing maluja.dirgral@inecol.edu.mx.
Three letters of recommendation are needed as well as the e-mail addresses and
telephones of three established scientists/professors that have agreed to be interviewed
on the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. An additional letter by the candidate
expressing interest in the job, explaining how exactly her/his training/experience fits the job
description, and expressing her/his willingness to strictly adhere to the principles of
collaboration, team working, networking and scientific integrity is also needed. Any
questions should be addressed to Dr. Guillermo Angeles.