Fargo, N.D. – North Dakota State University’s Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE), is implementing a reduction in force, affecting 14 positions as part of a restructuring of CNSE. The reduction in force affects areas of the Center funded in part by Congressionally-directed funding awards.
A restructuring of the Center is being implemented because Congressionally-directed funding, commonly known as earmarks, is no longer available, according to Dr. Philip Boudjouk, vice president for research, creative activities and technology transfer at NDSU. “We greatly appreciate the contributions these scientific and technical staff have made during their time at CNSE to further the Center’s scientific research,” said Boudjouk. “In the changing landscape of federal funding, CNSE will focus on areas of applied research that can provide future opportunities for public/private partnerships, specifically in the areas of microelectronics and coatings research.”
Employees affected by the reduction in force will have an opportunity to apply for positions for which they are qualified in the University system, as well as access to human resources support during the transition. Departure dates for affected employees may vary, based on University policies regarding job classifications and on the transition of research projects. As defined by University policies, severance periods and pay based on job classification ranges from two weeks to three months, totaling approximately $50,000.
CNSE will continue its high level research for federal agencies and private companies, according to Boudjouk. “We continue to receive grant funding for other research projects and are pursuing additional funding. More than 40 employees will continue working at CNSE, focusing on specialty areas of microelectronics and coatings research. “In many respects, the previous success of CNSE and its scientific achievements have positioned it to advance to a level where we can work directly with large companies on research,” said Boudjouk.
CNSE’s achievements include research on renewable energy, polymers and coatings to protect against bio-threats, and coatings for military ships. CNSE is currently working with a global company on commercial applications for the ship coatings. In addition, CNSE played a significant role in development of ground sensors used by the U.S. military on three continents, and contributed to microelectronics for military communication systems. The Center, established in 2002, will continue its scientific research with federal and private partners, said Boudjouk.
NDSU is pursuing the possibility of transitioning CNSE over a period of months to a research institute affiliated with the University, such as those affiliated with universities in Wisconsin, Utah, Illinois and Georgia. “This would be a longer-term effort that we’re examining for the future,” said Boudjouk.