Research Scientist II

San Diego State University Research Foundation • San Diego, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Under minimal or general guidance from the principal investigator, the Research Scientist classification is intended to provide a career path for experienced researchers who have attained a doctoral or equivalent degree. The Research Scientist will have experience sufficient to enable the employee to conduct all manner of research such as independently conducting complex scientific research or scholarship. Research scientists are expected to work independently, generate grant funding for projects and publish research results. The Research Scientist may be a principal investigator on grants if he/she holds an SDSU adjunct faculty appointment and meets any additional requirements of his/her academic department.

Requirements

• Doctoral or equivalent degree and a minimum of two (2) years of postdoctoral research.
• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).

Responsibilities

• Conduct Independent Research in Photocatalytic Organic Synthesis – 40%Design, develop, and execute research projects focused on photocatalytic and photoredox organic transformations, including reaction discovery, catalyst development, reaction optimization, substrate-scope evaluation, and synthesis of novel organic compounds.
• Mechanistic Studies and Reaction Characterization – 20%Investigate reaction mechanisms using kinetic studies, isotope-labeling experiments, kinetic isotope effects (KIE), radical trapping, light on/off studies, quenching experiments, electrochemical measurements, and spectroscopic characterization.
• Organic Synthesis and Compound Characterization – 20%Synthesize and purify starting materials, catalysts, intermediates, and target compounds using modern organic synthetic methods. Characterize compounds and reaction products using NMR, GC-MS, LC-MS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and other appropriate analytical techniques.
• Research Data Analysis, Documentation, and Publication – 15%Analyze and interpret experimental results, maintain accurate laboratory records, conduct literature reviews, prepare figures and supporting data, and contribute to research manuscripts, presentations, reports, and scholarly publications.
• Other Duties as Assigned – 5%Perform other research, laboratory, administrative, collaborative, or scholarly duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator in support of the Yan Lab research program.

What This Job Offers

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