The Department of Chemistry at Middle Tennessee State University invites applicants for a postdoctoral research assistant position (#I46010) for a grant funded by the Department of Energy. This is a one-year temporary appointment with a possible renewal of one additional year, depending on the selected candidate's continued interest, performance, and funding. The start date for the position is as early as December 1, 2024.

The project aims to synthesize and characterize high-quality quantum dot samples and develop and optimize a mass spectrometry-based method for analyzing ligands on QD surfaces. The role of this position is to work closely with a cross-disciplinary team led by Drs. P. Greg Van Patten and Mengliang Zhang, in collaboration with groups at Michigan State and Stony Brook, to provide high-purity and quality materials and investigate the surface chemistry of QD. The successful candidate must deeply understand colloidal nanocrystals' growth and surface chemistry, write scientific manuscripts and conference contributions, and help with undergraduate and graduate student supervision.

The project employs novel, state-of-the-art methods for analyzing surface capping ligands on semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) to understand how vibronic-excitonic coupling impacts photophysical response and solar energy conversion. The successful candidate will be interested in contributing to synthesizing and characterizing luminescent QDs and developing professional and technical skills for future positions in academic or non-academic settings. The successful candidates should desire to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and cross-departmental team environment of professional staff, students, faculty, and administrators.

To be considered, candidates must apply through the MTSU jobs portal:  https://careers.mtsu.edu/en-us/job/497973