Post Doctoral Fellow - Chemistry - (496670 )

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 49,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bocarsly group at the University of Houston is hiring an postdoctoral fellow to work on the GAMBIT project, combining high-throughput computation, machine learning, rapid synthesis and efficient characterization to discover next‑generation magnets. The position emphasizes materials synthesis, AI workflows, and open‑source data management.

This in-person role in Houston requires expertise in synthesizing and characterizing materials, and strong programming skills; collaboration across

Qualifications

• Solid-state chemistry experience, including synthesis and characterization of inorganic materials.
• Computer programming in scientific contexts (data management, AI workflows).
• Experience with magnetic measurements (SQUID, MOKE) is desirable.
• X-ray diffraction for structural characterization.
• Strong collaboration, mentorship, communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Receives and reviews progress; evaluates results of experiments or projects under supervision.
• Recommends changes in research, testing or experimental procedures.
• May be responsible for a highly technical and complex research instrument.
• May review and evaluate the effectiveness of personnel.
• May plan for and assign personnel to projects under control.
• Operates with latitude for unreviewed action.
• May receive general supervision; consults higher levels in unusual situations.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Skills

Solid-state chemistry

Programming

Magnetic measurements

X-ray diffraction

Collaboration & mentorship

Job description

Department: Chemistry Salary: 49,400 - 56,200

Possesses, understands, and applies a comprehensive knowledge in area of specialization. Develops understanding and skills to allow for completion of assignments that cross fields of specialization. Develops leadership and management skills.

1. Receives/Reviews progress and evaluates results of experiments or projects under control or supervisory responsibility.
2. Recommends changes in research, testing or experimental procedures.
3. May be responsible for a single highly technical and complex piece of research equipment.
4. May review and evaluate the effectiveness of personnel.
5. May plan for and assign personnel to projects under control.
6. Operates with latitude for unreviewed action.
7. May receive general supervision conferring with higher levels only in unusual situations.
8. Performs other job-related duties as required.

The Bocarsly group at the University of Houston is hiring an apostdoctoral fellow to work on our upcoming ARPA‑E project discovering novel ultra‑powerful magnets, GAMBIT (Guided AI for Magnetic Boride/carbide Intermetallic Technologies). This collaborative project aims to discover next‑generation permanent magnets using a powerful combination of high-throughput computation, machine learning, rapid synthesis and efficient characterization.

This position requires expertise in synthesizing and characterizing materials in the lab, with a background in basicscientific programming (python/web) to build and leverage AI workflows. In addition to experimental work, the postdoc will work with our open‑source datalab (github.com/datalab-org) software for managing and learning from experimental data.

The following skills are desired:

1. Solid‑state chemistry experience, including synthesis and characterization of inorganic materials
2. Computer programming, (e.g., scientific software development, data management, data visualization, web development, and/or AI agent development).
3. Magnetic measurements (SQUID, MOKE microscopy, etc.)
4. Structural characterization with X‑ray diffraction
5. Strong collaboration, mentorship, communication and presentation skills

The Bocarsly group is a young group (started Fall 2023) at the University of Houston, with 10 members working across quantum materials, battery materials, advanced characterization, and data science. Group members work closely together, with lots of opportunities for mentorship and collaboration. The fellow will work as part of a collaborative team across academia and industry, including at the University of Houston, Rice University, Colorado State University, Newfound Materials, and Carrier Global. This position is therefore ideal for someone interested either academic research, startup companies, or R&D at large corporations.

The position is in‑person in Houston, TX. Start date is as soon as possible, with some flexibility.

MQ: Requires singular knowledge of a specialized advanced professional discipline or the highest level of general business knowledge, normally acquired through attainment of a directly job‑related terminal degree or equivalent formal training in a recognized field of specialization that is directly related to the type of work being performed. No experience is required.

All positions at the University of Houston‑System are security‑sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.