Postdoctoral Research Associate (Chemistry)

Amherst College • Amherst, NY

12h • $58,000 - $62,000

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

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

Benefits

• Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees