Postdoctoral Associate - Chemistry

Position Summary

Dr. Lea Nienhaus of the Department of Chemistry at Rice University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in scanning probe microscopy.

The Nienhaus Research Group is interested in understanding the role of nanoscale structure on the ensemble materials properties. The group has pioneered solid-state perovskite-sensitized photon upconversion using a variety of tetracene and anthracene derivatives and studied the triplet generation process at the interface of perovskites and organic molecules. Subtle differences in the local structural environment of the organic molecules have clear impact on the underlying energy landscape and the group uses a variety of structural, spectroscopy and microscopy methods to disentangle the structure-function relationship. At Rice, the group will continue to push the envelope of coupled scanning probe microscopy and optical spectroscopy to understand the effects of nanoscale disorder in perovskites, organic semiconductors and hydrogen-bonded supramolecular networks. Research in the Nienhaus Group is highly interdisciplinary combining a wide variety of chemical and physical methods, materials development and synthesis and engineering approaches.

Workplace Requirements: This is an in-person position at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Additionally, this position is funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

The following documents must be submitted to receive full consideration for the position. (a) Curriculum vitae with a list of publications, (b) a two-page statement of research interests and past research accomplishments, (c) and at least three letters of recommendation. The application materials should be sent to ln27@rice.edu by the applicants and the referees.

Minimum Requirements 

• Doctoral degree in the field of chemistry, physics or closely related field
• Bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering

Substitutions

• No substitutions for education allowed

Skills Required

• Expertise in AFM and STM 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation skills
• Organization and time management skills
• Able to work in a collaborative environment and mentor students
• Able to work independently and professionally with minimal supervision and direction

Preferences

• Expertise in optical scanning probe methods
• Interest in learning single molecule optical spectroscopy 
• Working knowledge of semiconductor photophysics
• Perovskite or quantum dot experience

Essential Functions

• Supports the development of a combined confocal microscope/AFM tool
• Aids in developing an optical scanning tunneling microscope (STM) under air-free conditions in a glovebox
• Documents, analyzes, and maintains research data
• Assists with proposal development to obtain research funding
• Mentors, oversees, and/or trains junior research team members and students
• Publishes and presents research findings
• Supports project management and collaboration across institutions or disciplines
• Designs and implements research protocols; adapts new procedures, methods or instrumentation relative to research procedures
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview 

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Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.