Post Doctoral Fellow - Research Associate

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Arts & Sciences - UMSL

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct research related to the organic synthesis, polymerization and characterization of multifunctional organic/polymer materials
• Engage in instrumentation training, operation, and maintenance
• Guide undergraduate and graduate students with technical skills
• Communicate the results of research to the PI via preparation of high quality technical reports, peer reviewed journal articles, and formal and informal presentations
• Participate in writing manuscripts and experimental result reports
• Collaborate with internal and external research partner to facilitate data exchange, instrumentation and communication in order to meet the needs of collaborative research projects
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: PhD by start of appointment in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science Engineering or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated record of intellectual and academic accomplishments evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and professional presentations
• Experience with multi-step organic synthesis and polymerization techniques, with a specific emphasis on conjugated molecules/polymers

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to be self-motivated and to work effectively, collaboratively, and collegially in a team environment with scientists and engineers representing varied backgrounds, skills, and experience levels.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to conduct lab management with regards to safety, general instrument maintenance, and operation
• Be a positive and enthusiastic member of the lab.
• Competent & skilled in multiple step organic synthesis and controlled polymerization methods (RAFT/ATRP preferred or others
• Skilled in polymer characterization techniques (NMR, GPC, CD, UV-Vis-NIR, PL, TGA, DSC, POM, CV, etc.)
• Ability and willing to learn and independently perform new applications, instrumentation and procedures
• Attention to detail and accuracy in editing, record-keeping, etc.
• Capability to work effectively with a group of community members, staff, and faculty of varying degrees of technical sophistication.

Other Desirable Qualifications:

• Candidates should have strong experimental experience and a track record of successful research demonstrated through peer reviewed publications. Research experience at the interface of organic chemistry, polymer materials and biology is highly desired.

Application materials should include a letter of interest, curriculum vita, and prior research summary - Please provide contact information for three recommendations. Applicants must be able to start on campus by 8/1/2025 at the latest - if you have questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Jinjia Xu via email; jxu@umsl.edu.

Visa Sponsorship Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please email the Office of Human Resources at umslhr@umsl.edu.