Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description

A Postdoctoral Associate position is available in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA, USA) in the broad area of gas-phase photocatalysis. The postdoctoral associate will be responsible for synthesizing photoactive materials and coupling them with active centers. In addition to synthesis, the position will involve characterization using UV-vis spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction etc. The synthesized catalysts will also be studied for mechanistic aspects of the reaction in a photocatalytic reactor. Kinetic models will be combined with spectroscopy to shed light on the structure-property correlations. The postdoctoral associate will contribute to the dissemination of scientific results through publications, presentations, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. The successful candidate will join Prof. Samira’s research group at Virginia Tech, integrating all of these techniques. Opportunities exist for collaboration with computational catalysis researchers, operando characterization at synchrotrons and other catalysis researchers across Virginia Tech.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field awarded. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Background in spectroscopy and/or reaction kinetics is expected.
• Experience with UV-vis or FTIR spectroscopy.
• Strong track record in scientific productivity and publications
• Excellent communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to kinetic modeling of chemical reactions, diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and catalyst synthesis.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with computational scientists and surface scientists.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

March 13, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.