"Post Doctoral Research Associate"

Job Details

Posting Number: G/R30420P

Working Title: Post Doctoral Research Associate

Department: Franklin-Chemistry

About the University of Georgia: Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia’s learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40+ units.

College/Unit/Department website: https://wenhao-shao.github.io/

Employment Type: Employee

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date: 11/01/2025

Posting Date: 07/25/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conducting research on materials synthesis, characterization, or fabrication (70% of time)
• Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students (10% of time)
• Participate in grant proposal writing (10% of time)
• Laboratory research group management (10% of time)

Position Summary: The W. Shao Laboratory, established in June 2025 at the University of Georgia, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to contribute to the discovery and development of organic and hybrid materials for electronic and photonic applications. The scholar will lead and support projects involving computation-assisted molecular design, crystallization and self-assembly of organic-inorganic hybrid systems, optical system design, advanced spectroscopy, and materials optimization for emerging applications in quantum photonics, gas storage, and catalysis. The Shao Lab is committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually vibrant research environment. The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop leadership skills essential for a career in academia or industry through active mentorship, team-based research, international collaborations, and participation in conferences and workshops. wenhao-shao.github.io

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position:

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary, inclusive, and collaborative environment
• Experience with organic and inorganic synthesis, 2D materials, optical spectroscopy, microscopy, or photonic and electronic device fabrication.
• Theoretical foundation in photophysics, solid-state physics, mathematical and mechanical modeling.