Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Job Category
Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Department
UBCO | Faculty | Department of Chemistry | Irving K. Barber Faculty of Sciences (Susan Murch)

Posting End Date
May 1, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date
Jun 30, 2026

45000 - 50000 per year

The The Iron-Sulphur and Carbon Nanosciences Laboratory https://elementologia.org/       (Fe-S & C NanoSci), within the Department of Chemistry  https://chemistry.ok.ubc.ca/            the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow for 2 year position subject to progress of the project and availability of funds. Anticipated start date is July 1, 2024.

The candidate will work under the direction of Dr. Robert Szilagyi. The postdoctoral researcher will extend the current synthetic protocols to useexfoliated nanokaolinite particles as synthetic platform for nucleation and growth of Fe-S particles. Using a novel solution-swing method, a systematic surface functionalization need to be carried out and characterizing by a comprehensive suite of optical and synchrotron spectroscopic techniques.

Duties include (and not limited to):

• Anaerobic synthesis of Fe-S clusters, nanoparticles, and minerals.

• Intercalation, exchange intercalation, delimitation and exfoliation of natural and synthetic

kaolinite, halloysite, nacrite, and dickite clay minerals with various Fe/Ni/Cu content.

• Spectroscopic and surface science characterization of surface exposed Fe sites in both Fe-S and

clay samples.

• Design and carry out reactivity experiments to define accessible redox chemistry, physisorption

and chemisorption of small, inert molecules such as H2, N2, HCN, C2H2/C2H4, CO2/CH4.

• Collaborate with computational maquette chemists in the group and develop atomic-scale

models for the synthesized compounds, particles, and mineral surfaces.

• Analyze and interpret experimental data, and prepare research findings for publication in peer reviewed

scientific journals.

• Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students involved in related research projects.

Candidates must have a recent Ph.D. in one of the following disciplines:

inorganic chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, physical chemistry, coordination chemistry, or materials science.

UBC is one of the world’s leading universities. The university has two distinct campuses, one in Vancouver and one in Kelowna. UBC’s Okanagan campus, located in the city of Kelowna, has over 10,000 students in seven faculties with strong graduate programs. Situated in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, one of the most scenic regions in Canada, it offers an intimate learning environment and excellent opportunities for regional, national, and international scholarly activities.

The Chemistry department at UBC’s Okanagan campus is housed in the vibrant Irving K. Barber Faculty Science. The Faculty offers both discipline-based and interdisciplinary programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The collegial learning environment in the Faculty focuses on effective teaching, critical and creative scholarship, and the integration of scholarship and teaching. We are committed to an ethos of local involvement, global engagement, and intercultural awareness and we provide a positive, inclusive, and mutually supportive working and learning environment for all our students, faculty, and staff. To learn about the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, go to https://science.ok.ubc.ca/ .     For more information about UBC resources and opportunities, please visit http://www.hr.ubc.ca/faculty-staff-resources/ . Information about the surrounding community, can be found at: https://hr.ubc.ca/careers-and-job-postings/relocation-services/relocating-kelowna  

To apply for this position, applicants are asked to submit:

(i)  a cover letter/ research statement

(ii) a curriculum vitae

(iii) names of 3 referees

Eligibility Criteria:

A Postdoctoral Fellow must commence the appointment within five years of being awarded a Ph.D. degree or within ten years of being awarded a M.D. or D.D.S. degree; however, this time period may be extended by circumstances requiring an interruption in a research career (e.g. maternity/parental leave).

Inquiries may be directed to Dr Robert Szilagyi at [email protected]  Deadline for applications is April 30, 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Starting salary amount will be $45,000 - $50,000 per year.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.