"Postdoctoral Research Associate"

The Opportunity:

The inorganic materials chemistry lab in the Department of Chemistry at Washington State University (WSU) invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associate appointment in Pullman, WA, with a specialty in inorganic synthesis or materials chemistry. We seek applicants who will work on a project involved with studying the influence of targeted chemical impurities on the formation and conversion of molecular and magic size clusters. This research leverages colloidal synthetic methods to understand the changes in surface speciation of molecular reporters that can be monitored with in situ and advanced spectroscopic characterization techniques.

This 12-month position is renewable for up to an additional 12 months. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will begin the appointment on October 1, 2025. Renewal depends on satisfactory performance, the continued need for the position, and funding continuation.

The primary responsibilities for this position:

• Applying solution-based techniques to study the formation and conversion of magic size clusters composed of metal chalcogenides.
• Working with and mentoring graduate students and undergraduates that are also involved with this project.
• Promoting and prioritizing safety in the workplace, especially in the laboratory.
• Writing initial drafts of manuscripts for publication and presenting research results at scientific meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• Completed Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or closely related discipline by the date of appointment.
• Demonstrated record of potential for using air-free inorganic synthetic techniques (including inert atmosphere gloveboxes) as well as various physical methods to develop a molecular level understanding of complex chemical processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Track record of authoring/co-authoring peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience performing in situ methods to track chemical reactions.
• Experience applying physical methods to characterize inorganic materials including clusters and/or nanoscale materials.

Additional Information:

Annual Salary: $60,000 - $65,000 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits summary for WSU Faculty and Total Compensation.

About Department of Chemistry: For more information, visit Department of Chemistry | College of Arts and Sciences.

Area/College: College of Arts & Sciences. Location: Pullman, WA.

Application Instructions: Inquiries should be directed to Kevin Kittilstved (kevin.kittilstved@wsu.edu).