Postdoctoral Researcher

University of Kansas • Lawrence, KS

6d

About The Position

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Kansas seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher in theoretical chemistry to work in the groups of Professors Ward Thompson and Brian Laird. The researcher will conduct theoretical and computational chemistry research to elucidate contributions to solvation free energies, with particular focus on understanding enthalpic and entropic contributions.

Research approaches include classical and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, free energy calculations, accelerated sampling methods, training machine-learned interatomic potentials, and developing new theoretical approaches. Activities may include project design, theory and method development, calculations, data acquisition and analysis, manuscript preparation, publishing in scientific journals, and presenting results at scientific meetings. The researcher will also mentor graduate and undergraduate students, participate in regular group meetings, and pursue professional development opportunities.

The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of annual renewal by mutual agreement and subject to continued grant funding. The starting date is November 16, 2026, negotiable. The work schedule is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemistry or a closely related field.
• The Ph.D. must be completed within the last three years.
• The Ph.D. must be in hand for appointment at the Postdoctoral Researcher title; conditional acting appointments without proof of the earned doctorate may not exceed six months.
• Experience in molecular simulation.
• Experience in computer programming.
• Experience with free energy calculations.
• Experience with applied statistical mechanics.
• Experience with the Python programming language.

Nice To Haves

• Interest in mentoring students.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute research, including data acquisition, analysis, manuscript preparation, and presentations.
• Conduct classical and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations.
• Implement accelerated sampling methods and train machine-learned interatomic potentials.
• Develop molecular simulation approaches, analyses, theories, and new theoretical methods for describing solvation thermodynamics.
• Publish research results in scientific journals and present them at scientific meetings.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in their research activities.
• Participate in regular group meetings.
• Pursue professional development, potentially including a detailed plan developed with the principal investigators, career development workshops, and presentations at national and international meetings.

What This Job Offers

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