This 24-month U.S. Department of Energy funded position is for a materials chemist (see required qualifications section below) or postdoctoral researcher who will be using synthesis and characterization techniques to understand structure-property relationships of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and films for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, mentor undergraduate researchers, and guest lecture in the Integrated Chemistry laboratory course at California State University, Chico (CSU, Chico). We are seeking individuals who are interested in having a future position at primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) and working with undergraduates from diverse backgrounds. Candidates do not have to have experience in MOFs, thin films, or batteries, but those with experience will be given preference. Publications and presentations are expected to result from the work supported by the grant. 

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Applicant must have a degree in chemistry, physics, materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, or related field with a strong emphasis on in/organic materials synthesis and characterization. 
  • PhD, or demonstrate they will be able to successfully defend their dissertation by no later than August 2024, OR 
  • MSc, and 3 years of relevant research/work experience, OR
  • BSc, and 10 years of relevant research/work experience.  
• Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications:  

• 2+ years of teaching experience as an instructor or teaching assistant. 
• Strong academic background  
• Laboratory experience in fundamental studies of surface chemistry and electrochemical reactions 
• Familiar with physical, optical, and electrical characterization techniques (e.g. SEM, AFM, Raman, FTIR, DRS, UV-vis, IV, CV, EIS, and two/four-point probe conductivity) 
• Extensive laboratory experience working with a wide range of organic/inorganic synthesis and/or device physics  
• Technical experience and a proven publication record in the areas of synthesis, characterization, and fabrication of materials, ideally related to metal organic framework or lithium-sulfur batteries.  
• Familiarity with collaboration and integration of experimental characterization techniques with modeling 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Research (80%):

• Perform synthesis, post-synthetic modification, and characterization of conductive MOFs, as well as fabrication and characterization of thin MOF films. Characterization of MOFs by XRD and BET techniques will be required.
• Develop understanding of structure-property relationships for optimizing polysulfide adsorption energies, MOF reactivity, and Li-S redox kinetics.  
• Design and implement research protocols; adapt new procedures, methods or instrumentation relative to research procedures  
• Collect, prepare, and analyze research data; discuss results in group meetings; keep a detailed record summarizing experiments and recording research data  
• Collaborate with computational and experimental scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Lab and San Jose State University to accomplish research goals.  
• Oversee laboratory safety and equipment maintenance relevant to project  
• Work with and mentor undergraduate researchers  
• Assist with ordering and procurement of supplies and equipment and with general maintenance of laboratory  
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national/regional conferences 

Instructional (20%):

• Preparing laboratory activities, designing syllabi and assessments, evaluating student work, and supervising laboratories. These will be done in accordance with approved course descriptions and curricular guidelines established by the Faculty and approved by the Dean and the Provost.
• Supervising and directing undergraduate honors projects and independent research in each of the Fall and Spring semesters. 

How to Apply: 

To be considered, submit the following documents by Friday, August 2, 2024 at 11:59 pm. Documents submitted after this date may not be considered. 

• Resume 
• Chico State Enterprises Application 
• Cover Letter 
• Contact information for three professional references