Scientist II

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

1d•$75,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Scientist II will help lead academic research projects and industrial collaborations related to catalysis, chemical synthesis, and/or electrochemistry in the Stahl Research Group within the UW-Madison Department of Chemistry. The role includes exploring new research directions and serving as an expert in laboratory methods to support the group’s projects. Relevant methods may include chemical synthesis; homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis; kinetic and mechanistic studies; air-free techniques; high-pressure reactions; spectroscopic and analytical characterization; and electrochemical techniques. Prior experience in every method is not required. In addition to laboratory research, the Scientist will support project management of funded work with the principal investigator, help maintain and operate group equipment with the lab manager, mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, assist with manuscripts and grant proposals, and prepare progress reports and presentations for funding agencies and external audiences. The position offers opportunities to travel to conferences and collaborator sites to support projects and disseminate results. The Stahl lab focuses on catalysis, particularly selective oxidation of organic molecules relevant to the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries, and the use of electrochemistry and electrocatalysis in chemical synthesis. Research also includes applied areas such as biomass and waste-plastics deconstruction and valorization.

Requirements

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
Strong theoretical knowledge of organic and/or inorganic chemistry.
Research expertise in multiple areas of experimental chemistry, including one or more of homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysis, synthetic organic chemistry, kinetic and mechanistic studies, or electrochemistry.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
Ability to take ownership of responsibilities, follow established procedures, and consistently deliver accurate, dependable work.
Ability to build positive working relationships, provide guidance and support to others, and communicate openly and professionally.
Demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively communicate experimental methods and results.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing and implementing analytical methods for small-molecule characterization.
Experience operating high-pressure reactors, such as Parr reactors.
Experience analyzing and fitting kinetic data.
Experience with or interest in learning computational methods, including DFT calculations, Python coding, and machine-learning methods.
Ability to troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

Help lead academic research projects and industrial collaborations involving catalysis, chemical synthesis, and/or electrochemistry.
Explore new research directions and provide laboratory-method expertise to support group projects.
Collect and analyze complex research data, conduct experiments, and document results according to established policies and procedures.
Identify research problems and develop complex research methodologies and procedures.
Support project management for funded projects in collaboration with the principal investigator.
Support maintenance and operation of group equipment in collaboration with the lab manager.
Mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers working on group projects.
Assist in writing and editing manuscripts and grant proposals, and help develop grant applications to secure research funding.
Complete progress reports and prepare presentations for funding agencies and external audiences.
Conduct literature reviews, prepare reports and materials, and disseminate information to appropriate entities.
Serve as a subject-matter expert and liaison to internal and external stakeholders.
Attend and assist with scholarly events and presentations supporting professional development and dissemination of research.
May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit as needed.
Monitor program budgets and approve unit expenditures.