Postdoctoral Research Associate - Chemistry

Position Summary

The Sadtler lab in the Department of Chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead a project on electrolysis in seawater, starting April 2024. This project is a 6-month assignment.

In this position, you will contribute to developing and understanding new electrode materials of interest for stable electrolysis in seawater. This project will include the synthesis and structural characterization of novel electrode materials, characterization of their activity and stability for electrolysis in seawater, and analysis of corrosion mechanisms. The project will take advantage of state-of-the-art instrumentation at the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction), Chemical and Environmental Analysis Facility (mass spectrometry and porosity analysis), and the Department of Chemistry (absorption and infrared spectroscopy).

In addition to excellent research skills, we are seeking an applicant who prioritizes providing proactive mentorship to students, honing communication skills, and working in an interdisciplinary environment. Lab members will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers in the Departments of Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Washington University.

We prioritize career and professional development for postdoctoral researchers. In addition to one-on-one mentorship, further resources and support are available through the Center for Career Engagement, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and Center for Teaching and Learning.

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/ .

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including (but not limited to):

• Develop synthesis and fabrication protocols for electrode materials.
• Perform electrochemical analysis to quantify the activity and stability of electrodes for electrolysis in seawater
• Characterize structural and physical properties of the electrode materials and develop structure/property relationships based on the observed electrochemical activity.
• Contribute to the mentorship of graduate students in the lab, modeling ethical and safe research practices.
• Write monthly reports of research progress.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with analytical electrochemistry including cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, constant-current electrolysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Tafel analysis.
• Proficiency with the design of electrochemical cells for water electrolysis.
• Proficiency with structural characterization, such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed journal publications.

Salary Range

• Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

Applicants should send their CV, a brief statement of prior research experience and research interests (1 to 2 pages), and contact information for two references to [email protected] .

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected]  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.