Postdoctoral Fellow/Synthetic Chemist; Chemistry Zaleski Lab

Indiana University Academic Positions • Bloomington, IN

9h

About The Position

The Zaleski Lab in the Department of Chemistry at Indiana University is accepting applications for a postdoctoral research position focused on designing and synthesizing hybrid molecular and nanomaterial catalysts. The successful applicant will apply a deep understanding of synthetic inorganic and organic ligand chemistry, molecule preparation, and purification to achieve research goals. Nanomaterial and catalysis experience is a plus but is not required. The desired start date is February 1, 2027, with flexibility to accommodate outstanding candidates.

The role is suited to a motivated candidate with a Ph.D. in any area of synthetic chemistry and a strong background in solution-phase synthetic preparations and characterization, including familiarity with handling air- and moisture-sensitive chemicals. Demonstrable experience purifying and characterizing starting materials and reaction products using standard techniques is sought; NMR, EPR, IR, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, TEM, and DFT calculations are also desirable.

The Zaleski Lab offers a dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment. The postdoctoral fellow will play an integral role on the growing team and develop skills relevant to both academia and industry. Trainees receive regular guidance and feedback toward their career goals, as well as scheduling flexibility to support work-life balance and a safe laboratory environment.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in any area of synthetic chemistry.
• Strong background in solution-phase synthetic preparations and characterizations.
• Familiarity with manipulating air- and moisture-sensitive chemicals.
• Demonstrable experience in chemical purification and characterization of 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 up 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.
• Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues at partner institutions and research groups.

Benefits

• Regular guidance and feedback to support trainees’ career goals.
• Scheduling flexibility to support work-life balance.
• Safe laboratory environment.

What This Job Offers

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