Research Scientist II-Hypersonics

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND, USA

USD 75k+ / year

Posted on Sep 11, 2026

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Research Scientist II-Hypersonics

498922

Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States

CEM Research Institute

Research

Full-time Staff

Closing on: Sep 24 2026

Salary/Position Classification

$75,000+ dependent on experience, annual, Exempt
40 hours per week
This position will work onsite the Grand Forks, ND campus.

Purpose of Position

The Research Scientist II position exists to advance the mission of the UND Hypersonics Initiative by providing high-level technical research expertise, project execution, and research leadership. The position supports both current and future externally funded research activities by conducting laboratory-based research, developing preliminary data and technical concepts for future proposals, and contributing to the successful completion of sponsored project objectives.

This position functions within the work unit as an advanced research professional who helps bridge technical execution, proposal development, student mentorship, and scholarly dissemination. The Research Scientist II will assist with and lead the preparation of grant proposals, serve as a principal investigator or co-principal investigator on future proposals when appropriate, guide students in their research activities, and communicate research results through publications, conference presentations, and other professional outlets. Through these activities, the position strengthens the Hypersonics Initiative’s ability to grow its research portfolio, support national security priorities, and build long-term research capacity at UND.

Duties & Responsibilities

Conduct laboratory testing and report/present results
- Design and develop experimental procedures to accomplish the objectives of assigned projects.
- Responsible for collecting, reducing, and analyzing data collected from experimental tests. Interpret reduced data and analyze accordingly. Check data for reliability and accuracy to ensure the quality of the data.
- Report results and conclusions for tests. This includes, but is not limited to, sponsored project monthly and quarterly reports, and client reports detailing the results of tests in accordance with specific contractual obligations. Must meet the timetable set for submitting the section or for submitting the entire report, as appropriate.
- Prepare research papers for publication in technical journals and technical conference papers for presentation.
- Always follow established safety practices in the installation and operation of laboratory. Attend all safety instruction meetings and courses as required by the UND Safety Officer.
Prepare proposals for obtaining funding
- Identify funding opportunities.
- Prepare technical sections or complete proposals as directed by supervisor.
- Determine necessary equipment and personnel to perform the proposed work and prepare the budget according to the proposed scope of work.
- Serve as the co-lead on proposal development activities as directed by supervisor.
- Serve as project lead or task/component lead to coordinate activities of funded projects as assigned by supervisor -
Supervise and train research students and potential future postdoc researchers and ensure all personnel follow lab safety standards
Perform other research-related duties such as performing literature searches at the beginning of new projects as well as existing projects and technology applications.
College of Engineering and Mines Core Competencies:
The CEM team requires adaptability, a positive outlook and attitude, supports and respects team members, and has tolerance of risk and uncertainty.
- Positive Outlook & Contribution "Positive outlook" refers to a general tendency to see future possibilities and outcomes in favorable terms.
- Initiative The person with initiative is ready to take on new challenges and discover new ways to do tasks; he or she pursues high productivity and sets an example for peers.
- Degree of Openness "Degree of openness" refers to the degree of extent to which a person is receptive to ideas, cultures, and concepts; whether the person is open to new or different experiences.

Required Competencies

Record of success as a researcher with demonstrated ability to:
- Formulate a research plan
- Conduct laboratory research and post-processing
- Independently write research reports and journal publications
Strong writing/communication skills

Minimum Requirements

Ph.D. Degree in Engineering, Physics, or related field
Experience/thesis work relevant to the development of surface coatings to be used as optical-based measurement diagnostics (e.g., pressure- and temperature-sensitive paints)
Hands-on experience operating laboratory experimental research equipment
Proficient with Microsoft Office software – Word, PowerPoint, Excel
Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.