Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Water and the Environment

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 54,983 - 67,202; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive health benefits

Generous paid vacation

Tuition assistance

Free access to libraries and museums

Flexible spending account options

Job summary

Phase2 Technology seeks a motivated Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin to enhance the synthetic chemistry section. This role requires expertise in supramolecular chemistry and organic synthesis, contributing to innovative projects on artificial ion transporters. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in a related field and a strong publication record. The role offers a collaborative research environment and competitive health benefits, including paid vacation and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• PhD must be completed by the start date and within 3 years of receipt of the degree.
• Expertise in multi-step synthesis and compound characterization is required.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct multi-step organic synthesis and polymer synthesis.
• Characterize artificial and biological ion channels.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students as appropriate.

Skills

Expertise in organic synthesis

Experience with ion transport assays

Ability to work independently

Strong publication record

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Water and the Environment

Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Mar 01, 2030

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

Earliest Start Date: Feb 01, 2026

Purpose

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to strengthen the synthetic chemistry section of our laboratory. The successful candidate will be an expert in supramolecular chemistry with strong experience in organic synthesis and will contribute to the design and synthesis of small organic molecules, including biomimetic artificial ion transporters for nutrient and metal ions. This position offers an exciting opportunity to help shape a growing research program and to work on cutting‑edge projects at the interface of synthetic chemistry and membrane science.

Responsibilities

• Conduct multi‑step organic synthesis and polymer synthesis
• Expertise and interest in retrosynthesis and development of new synthesis schemes
• Characterize artificial and biological ion channels
• Plan, execute, and analyze experiments independently
• Fabricate different types of lipid and/or polymeric membranes
• Conduct experiments to evaluate membrane ion‑ion separation performance
• Maintain accurate experimental records and prepare data for publications and presentations
• Work effectively in a collaborative, team‑oriented research environment
• Assist in the preparation of research proposals and grant applications
• Be the point person for compiling reports for funding agencies
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students, as appropriate

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field, completed by the start date and within 3 years of receipt of the degree
• Demonstrated expertise in organic synthesis, including multi‑step synthesis and compound characterization
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals
• Experience with ion and/or water transport assays across lipid and/or polymeric membranes
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with transport measurements, including electrophysiological measurements, stopped‑flow‑based measurements, and other common spectroscopic assays

Salary Range

$61,093+ depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work with hazardous chemicals
• May work with compressed gas cylinders
• May work with high pressure and temperature equipment
• May work in standard office conditions
• Use of manual dexterity

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Employee Benefits

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 7.75% employer matching funds
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax‑Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Employment Eligibility

Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.