Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Details
Position Information

Announcement Number	STAFF - VA - 23022
For questions regarding this position, please contact:	Sharon Neufeldt at [email protected] or (406) 994-5692.
Classification Title	Postdoctoral Researcher
Working Title	Postdoctoral Research Associate
Brief Position Overview	The Neufeldt lab at Montana State University (Bozeman, MT) is looking for a postdoctoral scholar to join a research project focused on manipulating the selectivity and reactivity of transition metal catalysts. The position will ideally also include an educational and outreach component, involving generating animations of organic reactions using commercial software and other tools that have been developed in-house.
Position Number	4C0576
Department	Chemistry
Division	College of Letters & Science
Appointment Type	Professional
Contract Term	Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA	Exempt
Union Affiliation	Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE	1.0
Benefits Eligible	Eligible
Salary	Salary range of $45,000 to $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Contract Type	LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type	Open

Position Details

General Statement	The Neufeldt lab at Montana State University (Bozeman, MT) is looking for a postdoctoral scholar to join a research project focused on manipulating the selectivity and reactivity of transition metal catalysts. The position will ideally also include an educational and outreach component, involving generating animations of organic reactions using commercial software and other tools that have been developed in-house. The candidate will ideally spend between 50-100% effort on computational research using DFT methods. Depending on the candidate’s interest and goals, this position can also include a significant experimental (laboratory) component. The ideal candidate will have expertise in the use of computational tools to study organometallic reactions. Experimental expertise is not a requirement, and laboratory training will be provided if the candidate will engage in experimental research. Exceptional candidates without DFT expertise may also be considered for a purely experimental project.
Duties and Responsibilities	Primary Duties: Planning and executing DFT or other calculations for multiple projects. Data analysis and interpretation. Keeping appropriate records of data. Writing reports and papers, including the creation of publication quality figures and animated videos. Secondary Duties: Training and supervising new researchers in the lab. Executing assigned “group job(s)” such as organizing meetings and maintaining group website.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills	Ph.D. in chemistry or related field by the start date of position. Experience with Gaussian or related software for DFT calculations (preferred) OR experience with the following experimental techniques: organic synthesis, organic reaction optimization, NMR spectroscopy.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills	Strong publication record in computational and/or experimental chemistry (organic, organometallic, catalysis). Strong oral and written communication skills. Experience with basic coding/scripting. Experience working on a team and/or mentoring undergraduate and graduate researchers. Experience with manuscript writing and figure preparation.
The Successful Candidate Will	Be a motivated self-starter with a strong work ethic. If focused on computational work, be capable of juggling multiple projects Have the ability to work independently and with others as well as an aptitude for establishing and maintaining constructive working relationships with a wide spectrum of laboratory personnel in a collaborative environment, while representing MSU in a professional manner. The ability to maintain excellent records, pay attention to detail, meet deadlines, prioritize multiple projects, present research results in front of colleagues.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information	This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands	To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?	No

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies	1
Desired Start Date	Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:	Screening of applications will begin on July 27, 2022; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
Diversity Statement	Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment/dualcareer.html