Postdoctoral Fellow in Aquatic Chemistry

Colby College • Waterville, ME

15d

About The Position

The Department of Chemistry at Colby College invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Aquatic Chemistry to begin March 1, 2026. This temporary, 18-month teaching and research appointment supports the Department’s commitment to undergraduate education and high-impact faculty–student research. The Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to collaborative research in aquatic chemistry while teaching undergraduate courses aligned with departmental needs. The position is based in Professor D. Whitney King’s aquatic chemistry laboratory, which provides access to excellent instrumentation, laboratory facilities, and extensive infrastructure for field-based research, including Colby’s Island Campus. For information about the Department of Chemistry, please visit: www.colby.edu/chemistry We welcome applications from candidates with broad research interests in aquatic chemistry. Preference will be given to applicants with expertise in lake biogeochemistry, environmental sensor design, photochemistry, and the application of machine learning for the analysis of environmental data. In addition to carrying out collaborative research, the successful candidate will teach one undergraduate course per semester selected from: General Chemistry, Aquatic Chemistry, Thermodynamics and Kinetics, or Instrumental Analysis. Candidates must have a Ph.D. by the start date and a strong commitment to undergraduate education. The position is supported by a competitive compensation package, excellent instrumentation and laboratory facilities, and extensive infrastructure for field research – including the new Colby Island Campus.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related discipline completed by the start date.
• Demonstrated research experience in aquatic chemistry or a related field.
• Strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and mentorship.
• Ability to balance teaching and research responsibilities in a liberal arts environment.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a research group and academic department.
• Commitment to contributing to a diverse, inclusive, and supportive academic community.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise or research experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Lake biogeochemistry
• Environmental sensor design
• Photochemistry
• Application of machine learning techniques to environmental data analysis

Responsibilities

• Conduct collaborative research in aquatic chemistry within Professor D. Whitney King’s laboratory.
• Design and execute research projects related to aquatic and environmental chemistry.
• Contribute to the dissemination of research findings through publications, presentations, and collaborative scholarship.
• Utilize field research infrastructure, including lake and island-based research facilities, to support aquatic chemistry investigations.
• Teach one undergraduate course per semester selected from departmental offerings, which may include General Chemistry, Aquatic Chemistry, Thermodynamics and Kinetics, or Instrumental Analysis.
• Develop and deliver high-quality instructional materials aligned with course learning objectives.
• Engage undergraduate students in research and support their academic development.
• Participate in departmental activities as appropriate for a postdoctoral appointment.
• Contribute positively to the educational culture of a small liberal arts college that values inclusive excellence, mentorship, and close faculty–student collaboration.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees