Postdoctoral Research Associate (Chemistry)

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the Postdoctoral Research Associate position. The Postdoctoral Research Associate is a full-time, one-year position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $58,000 - $62,000 per year.

The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.

The postdoctoral researcher will perform independent research on the photophysics of semiconducting colloidal nanoparticles (quantum dots), and nanoparticle-molecule conjugates with an eye toward two specific applications: artificial photosynthesis and quantum information science. Half of the postdoctoral researcher's time will be spent on a federally funded project to understand the photophysics and chemical interactions in photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction systems. There will be significant flexibility in specific projects, which will be decided collaboratively between Professor Olshansky and the postdoctoral researcher. A primary goal of this research project is to support the postdoctoral researcher’s growth as an independent researcher and will ideally produce a peer-reviewed publication.

The postdoctoral researcher will also be expected to train and mentor undergraduate students in the Olshansky lab and will assist in the instruction of either general chemistry or physical chemistry courses. These tasks are viewed as professional development opportunities for the postdoctoral researcher’s training as a teacher-scholar. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College’s efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Research Support

• Carry out physical chemistry research projects in the Olshansky Research Laboratory

• Read scientific literature and help develop new research directions

• Analyze data and produce high-quality figures summarizing work

• Train undergraduate students in proper laboratory techniques

• Train undergraduate students in data analysis

• Maintain laboratory inventory and assist in ordering supplies

Qualifications:

Required

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field

• Demonstrated interest and skills in carrying out independent research

• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills

• Ability to work collaboratively, and the desire to train and support undergraduate students new to research

• Experience with wet chemistry techniques

• Experience with standard analytical techniques: UV-Vis, Fluorescence, FTIR, NMR, Mass spec

• Experience with data analysis using programming (Matlab, Python, R, Mathematica, etc)

• Some teaching experience in either general chemistry or physical chemistry

• Experience working with or demonstrated commitment to working with a diverse community

• Successful completion of required reference and background checks

• An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check

Preferred

• Experience with nanoparticle synthesis, especially colloidal quantum dots

• Experience with ultrafast optical spectroscopy, including transient absorption and time-resolved fluorescence

• Experience with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy

• Familiarity with air-free techniques and Schlenk line operation

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen.) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request.

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