Postdoctoral Fellow: 2D Perovskites & Nanophotonic Devices

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Jeffrey Long Research Group, focusing on synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced nanomaterials, including halide perovskites, nanowires, and lasing devices.

The successful candidate will design and synthesize organic spacer molecules, grow and characterize perovskite nanomaterials, and perform X-ray diffraction, SEM, AFM, and optical measurements.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related field. The doctoral degree must be conferred by the start date of the appointment.
• Candidates must provide official documentation of degree conferment prior to or upon appointment.
• A demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications in scholarly journals.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in the synthesis and characterization of inorganic or hybrid organic-inorganic nanomaterials.
• Independent research experience in the synthesis and crystal growth of two-dimensional or layered halide perovskite materials (lead- or tin-based).
• Experience with single-crystal X-ray diffraction, crystal structure refinement (e.g., using Shelxle or similar software), and crystallographic analysis.
• Proficiency in advanced optical characterization techniques, including photoluminescence spectroscopy, time-resolved photoluminescence, confocal microscopy, and optically pumped lasing measurements.
• Experience with SEM, AFM, TEM.
• Familiarity with the design and synthesis of organic spacer molecules for hybrid perovskite systems, including molecules with tailored hydrogen-bonding or supramolecular functionalities.
• Experience in fabrication and testing of optoelectronic devices, such as LEDs, photodetectors, or nanolasers.
• Knowledge of chiroptical materials, circular dichroism, and circularly polarized luminescence measurements.
• Experience with ionic gels, polymer electrolytes, or soft electronic materials is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, as demonstrated by publications and conference presentations.
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Experience mentoring or supervising junior researchers.
• Teaching or teaching assistant experience at the university level.

Responsibilities

• Designing and synthesizing novel organic spacer molecules and organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite materials.
• Growing and characterizing single-crystal and thin-film perovskite nanomaterials.
• Performing structural analysis using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, SEM, AFM, and related techniques.
• Conducting optical characterization including steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence, circular dichroism, and lasing measurements.
• Exploring new directions in chiroptical perovskites, perovskite nanophotonics, and related areas.
• Preparing manuscripts for publication in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and presenting research findings at national and international conferences such as ACS, MRS, AIChE, and Gordon Research Conferences.
• Working closely with the PI, graduate students, and external collaborators across disciplines including electrical engineering, photonics, and computational materials science.
• Contributing to interdisciplinary projects and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in the laboratory.

Skills

Hands-on laboratory experience

Excellent communication skills

Collaborative research

Mentoring or supervising junior

Teaching experience

Publications

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Physics

Tools

Single-crystal X-ray diffraction

Shelxle

SEM

AFM

TEM

Job description

Harvard University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Jeffrey Long Research Group, focusing on synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced nanomaterials, including halide perovskites, nanowires, and lasing devices.

The successful candidate will design and synthesize organic spacer molecules, grow and characterize perovskite nanomaterials, and perform X-ray diffraction, SEM, AFM, and optical measurements.