Postdoctoral Research Associate I Posting Number req21275 Department Chemistry & Biochemistry - Sci Department Website Link https://cbc.arizona.edu/ 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! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here. 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. * Candidates 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. * Both postdoc positions involve working effectively across disciplinary boundaries and in team- science environments. * Familiarity with printable electronic materials, including pi-conjugated polymers, is ideal. * Applicants must be able to communicate their results effectively verbally through periodical meetings and in writing through reporting. * Ability to travel to various states. Because of the collaborative 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 * Candidates must hold a PhD in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, or materials science (or similar field) upon hire with a strong background in electrochemical and spectroscopic methods. * Experience in molecular-based systems, including tethered molecular materials on metal oxide supports, are relevant. * Postdoctoral applicants should not be more than four years post PhD. * Each postdoc must have visa status that allows them to travel freely to these sites, and to various synchrotron facilities in the U.S, including SLAC, ALS and BNL light sources. Preferred Qualifications * Experience in authoring Labview programs and/or Python or MatLab coding for large dataset analysis are highly desired. A solid background of (electro)chemical degradation processes is a plus. FLSA Exempt Full Time/Part Time Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week 40 Job FTE 1.0 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 1 Target Hire Date 1/20/2025 Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Debbi Busack Dbusack@arizona.edu Open Date 11/25/2024 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter Special Instructions to Applicant Applicants are invited to also apply to req21274. Diversity Statement At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness. 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