Postdoctoral Research Associate I

Postdoctoral Research Associate I

Posting Number

req21275

Department

Chemistry & Biochemistry - Sci

Department Website Link

Location

Main Campus

Address

Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Energy Frontier Research Center on Soft PhotoElectroChemical Systems (SPECS; specs.arizona.edu), funded by the Department of Energy, seeks two motivated postdocs, with complementary technical strengths, to research the basic science underpinning the use of semi-conducting / conductive polymeric materials, to study in-situ electrochemistry of conductive polymers, which includes applications to solar fuels, catalysis / photoelectrochemistry, capacitors / batteries, and emerging sensing applications based on organic electrochemical transistors.

The SPECS EFRC offers a high-energy, cohesive environment to do team-based science, with partners at a number of institutions and national laboratories. We are looking for strong candidates in fundamentals of spectroelectrochemistry, an interest in multi-length scale characterizations, and a desire to work with a highly collaborative team. Strong communication skills - specifically writing and speaking - are a must.

Both positions offer exciting opportunities to combine fundamentals of spectroscopy and / or microscopy and electrochemistry applications to understand next-generation materials systems. The two postdocs will have independent projects, but be asked to coordinate efforts with other members of the SPECS EFRC.

The aim is to develop mechanistic insights and new physiochemical models that allow chemistry to effectively drive the search for new materials and enhance the understanding of the fundamental structure-property relationships at electrochemically reactive interfaces in applications such as electro- and photocatalysis, photoelectrochemical cells, energy storage systems, sensors, as well as flexible solar and display technologies. Candidates will be responsible for device construction, experimental design, in-situ electrochemical testing, and subsequent interpretation of electrochemical performance to understand electrochemical kinetics and transport processes.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA / ASU / NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

This position will focus on unique

properties of photoelectrochemical systems of conducting polymer donors and acceptors, intended for ultimate use in solar fuel formation, including

photo-generated hydrogen production from water. This project will include the

use of scanning probe and electrochemical methods, with a focus on the

nanoscale.

In general, SPECS research projects focus on the use of a diverse

characterization toolbox across spatiotemporal scales to study interface

phenomena to better understand interconnected chemical-electronic-physical

structure-property relationships in state-of-the art and next generation energy

conversion and storage devices.

Each postdoc is

expected to take a leading role in the use, data interpretation, and technique

development as related to his or her specific project. Each postdoc will

routinely prepare inks and thin films and conduct measurements using a variety

of spectroscopic and electrochemical approaches. The postdocs are expected to

actively participate in the dissemination of research findings through weekly

meetings with the PI and other group members, interact with LISPEM

collaborators from academia and national laboratories, author monthly reports,

publish in top journals, and aid in the training of graduate and undergraduate

students.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Knowledge

of organic semiconductors, either in electrochemistry and / or under light

and dark conditions, as it applies to solar fuels and / or

photo)catalysis, is desired. Familiarity with printable electronic

materials, including pi-conjugated polymers, is ideal.

should be able to interpret electrochemical data at multiple length

scales including fundamental molecular understanding of the role of

electrolyte / semiconductor interfaces in charge transfer and transport

processes.

postdoc positions involve working effectively across disciplinary

boundaries and in team- science environments.

nature of the science being supported by SPECS / Department of Energy funding,

each postdoc will be expected to be able to travel to each of the partner

institutions in SPECS (Georgia Insitute of Technology, Emory University, Univ.

of Kentucky, Univ. of Colorado and the National Renewable Energy Laboratories

NREL)) for extended stays so as to conduct research at those sites and

integrate scientists at those institutions into this research.

Minimum Qualifications

physics, chemical engineering, or materials science (or similar field) upon

hire with a strong background in electrochemical and spectroscopic methods.

materials on metal oxide supports, are relevant.

and BNL light sources.

Preferred Qualifications

FLSA

Exempt

Full Time / Part Time

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

Job FTE

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Job Category

Research

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience

Compensation Type

salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required :

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

Target Hire Date

1 / 20 / 2025

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates

Debbi Busack

[email protected]

Open Date

11 / 25 / 2024

Open Until Filled

Documents Needed to Apply

Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Applicants are invited to also apply to req21274.

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