Postdoctoral Fellow/Synthetic Chemist; Chemistry Zaleski Lab

Indiana University Academic Positions • Bloomington, IN

4d

About The Position

The Zaleski Lab in Indiana University's Department of Chemistry is accepting applications for a postdoctoral research position focused on designing and synthesizing hybrid molecular and nanomaterial catalysts. The successful applicant will apply expertise in synthetic inorganic and organic ligand chemistry, molecule preparation, and purification to achieve research goals. Experience with nanomaterials and catalysis is a plus but is not required. Candidates with a Ph.D. in any area of synthetic chemistry will be considered; those with strong solution-phase synthesis and characterization experience and familiarity handling air- and moisture-sensitive chemicals are especially well suited. Experience purifying and characterizing starting materials and reaction products using standard techniques is sought. The lab is a multidisciplinary research environment, and the fellow will contribute to a growing team while developing skills applicable to academia and industry. Trainees receive regular guidance and feedback toward their career goals, along with scheduling flexibility intended to support work-life balance and a safe laboratory environment. The desired start date is February 1, 2027, but is flexible to accommodate outstanding candidates.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in any area of synthetic chemistry.
• Strong background in solution-phase synthetic preparations and characterizations.
• Familiarity handling air- and moisture-sensitive chemicals.
• Demonstrable experience purifying and characterizing starting materials and reaction products using standard techniques.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with nanomaterials and catalysis.
• Familiarity with NMR, EPR, IR, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, TEM, and DFT calculations.

Responsibilities

• Manage independent academic research and administrative activities, including small-scale project management and coordinating work to meet deadlines.
• Train graduate and undergraduate students in research methods.
• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols to achieve research objectives.
• Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.
• Assist in maintaining the research laboratory, including setting up Schlenk lines and ordering equipment.
• Contribute ideas for new research projects.
• Conduct comprehensive, systematic literature reviews and write results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate on scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters.
• Advise group members on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
• Represent the research group at external meetings and seminars, with other group members or independently.
• Conduct collaborative projects with colleagues at partner institutions and research groups.

Benefits

• Scheduling flexibility to support work-life balance.
• Regular guidance and feedback to support trainees' career goals.
• A safe laboratory environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree