Postdoctoral Researcher - Gu research group

Updated: about 5 hours ago
Location: Hattiesburg, MISSISSIPPI
Job Type: FullTime

Postdoctoral Researcher - Gu research group

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher - Gu research group.


Position Details
Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division Polymer Science and Engineering
Position Type Staff
Employment Status Full Time
Grant Funded Yes
Posting Close Date September 3, 2024

Applicants should send their CV together with a cover letter explaining his/her interest in the
position and at least two reference letters to: Dr. Xiaodan Gu ([email protected])

Job Summary:
This job broadly covers the morphology characterization for polymeric materials with a focus on the X-ray and neutron scattering. He or she will coordinate research activities, research personnel, laboratory activities, communications with research sponsors, data analysis, and written and oral dissemination of research results. He or she will aid professors to manage research activities and reporting to funding organizations. This candidate will extensively interact with scientist at the Oak Ridge National laboratory. This post-doc is a joint hire with ORNL deuteration facility. 
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:
A review of this description has excluded the marginal functions of this job which are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.  All duties or requirements are essential job functions. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instruction and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.

  • Either knowledgable on the c haracterize new molecules and polymers using various morphology characterizing tools, especially using Neutrons or X-ray.  or expert on the synthesis of the deuterated polymer.
  •  Support directly funded research programs, morphology characterization, device fabrication, and engineering efforts. 
  • Prepare publications, proposals, documents, and reports. 
  • Train and supervise graduate student researchers. Aid in managing graduate student research activities in the group to discuss their progress and their research effort for major sponsored projects.  Help each person set priorities for their current work and the future of their work and provide technical information, support, and direction.
  • Travel to user facilities, national labs, and visits to and from sponsors.
  • Adheres to University and department policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Minimum Qualifications:
    Candidates should possess a Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or closely related discipline with extensive materials characterization experience. The candidate should also possess a strong background in polymeric materials’ property. The candidate is expected to be self-motivated and capable of working collaboratively in a team environment with scientists and engineers representing a variety of different backgrounds, skills, and experience levels. Successful candidates will be knowledgeable in morphology characterization in polymeric materials. The ability to think independently, work well with others, present unbiased evaluations of data and other information in technically complex situations, and technical writing and presentation skills for both scientific and non-scientific personnel are critical. A strong record of publication in peer-reviewed publications is required.
    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

    • The candidate will need knowledge for polymer physic and related polymer morphology characterization skills.

    Preferred Qualifications:  
    Experience in one or more of the following experimental techniques would be strongly preferred: neutron or X-ray scattering on polymeric materials in solution, device fabrication for organic electronics, and crystallization and glass transition behavior of conjugated polymers. The candidate will need to be able to travel to national laboratory. The candidate should also be knowledgeable for various tool for modeling scattering results.


    About The University of Southern Mississippi
    Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.
    Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
    We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit
     www.usm.edu . 

    As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.