Postdoctoral Fellow - Department of Chemistry - Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

West Virginia University • West Virginia, WV

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Chemistry in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University (WVU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow. Under the leadership of Matthew Lockett, the incumbent in this position will conduct research in the fields of design and characterization of hybrid photoelectrode architectures, where molecular catalysts are immobilized on the surface of semiconductor electrodes. Applicant will innovate in the research areas of material functionalization, measurement, electrode performance, and catalyst design. This is a full-time, 9-month, benefits-eligible position.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field is required.
• Chemical Analysis or Analytical Chemistry
• Electroanalytical chemistry
• Ability to perform research, working in a wet chemical laboratory that requires dexterity when using personal protective equipment (PPE) to handle materials or chemicals.
• Research will be carried out, in part, in a cleanroom environment and a shared research facility on the Evansdale Campus (where the cleanroom is housed).
• Individual is required to move between the different campuses at West Virginia University, transporting samples.
• Movement across campuses (health sciences, engineering, downtown) occurs on an as needed basis.

Nice To Haves

• Surface modification using wet chemical methods
• Surface characterization techniques such as, but not limited to, electron microscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, and surface probe microscopies

Responsibilities

• Support the research endeavors of Prof. Matthew Lockett and his research lab in the areas of electroanalytical chemistry, bulk electrolysis, surface analysis, and (catalyst-mediated) product analysis.
• Design, implement, and analyze experiments independently to solve a wide range of moderate to complex research challenges.
• Maintain detailed logs or research-related activities, develop and write-up experimental protocols, accurately record data and research methods.
• Train laboratory members in techniques they learned in previous research experiences and develop within the laboratory.
• Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for research goals.
• Read scientific literature, attend workshops and research conferences and to keep abreast of technological advances and current research findings.
• Work closely with Prof. Lockett, meeting frequently to discuss research progress and results.
• Attend sub-group meetings and provide feedback and guidance to other laboratory members, as well as receive feedback on their progress.
• Effectively communicate and defend their experimental findings, data workup, and interpretations.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication, technical abstracts for conferences, and grant proposals.
• Maintain and troubleshoot instrumentation critical to the laboratory, including but not limited to potentiostats, bulk electrolysis setups, gloveboxes, gas chromatograph, and other surface analysis methods.
• Assist, as needed, in the supervision of graduate and undergraduate students who are part of the Lockett Laboratory.
• Coordinate collaborations with research groups within West Virginia University and external institutions, including National Laboratories.
• Assist with acquisition of funding from public, private, and governmental sources, including assistance with development of novel research proposals for sponsor submission.
• Complete an Individual Development Plan (an assessment tool designed to help develop and monitor professional goals unique to the incumbent’s career development) within 3 months of starting, and to update this annually.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• benefits-eligible

What This Job Offers

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