Postdoctoral Fellow - Synthetic Chemist

PeopleAdmin, Inc.; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University in Bloomington, IN, seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow in Synthetic Chemistry to join the Zaleski Lab. The role involves designing and synthesizing hybrid molecular and nanomaterial catalysts with a starting date around July 1, 2026. A Ph.D.

in Chemistry and strong synthesis skills are required; experience with air- and moisture-sensitive preparations is desirable. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research, collaborate across groups, and benefit from a

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry required.
• Experience with organometallic synthesis and analytical techniques preferred.
• Strong background in organic and/or inorganic synthesis.

Responsibilities

• Manage own academic research and administrative activities.
• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques to achieve objectives.
• Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.
• Assist in setting up a new research laboratory at IU.
• Collaborate in writing scientific reports and journal articles.
• Present papers and posters at external meetings/seminars.
• Provide guidance on protocols and experimental techniques to group members.
• Represent the group at external meetings or alone.
• Carry out collaborative projects with partner institutions.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Inorganic synthesis

Air- and moisture-sensitive techniques

Literature analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Tools

NMR

SXRD

Mass spectrometry

X-ray diffraction

TEM

DFT calculations

Job description

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at [e-mail].

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

The initial appointment for this position will be for 12 months. Additional 12-month extension will be available based on performance. A competitive salary along with a benefits package will be offered.

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

Title Postdoctoral Fellow - Synthetic Chemist

Appointment Status

Department

Location Bloomington

Position Summary

The Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts + Sciences at Indiana University consists of a well-rounded research community with cutting-edge expertise in a wide variety of modern disciplines including analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, and biochemistry.

The Zaleski Lab in the Department of Chemistry at Indiana University is accepting applications for a postdoctoral research position. The position involves the design and synthesis of hybrid molecular and nanomaterial catalysts (see here for recent work: Accts. Chem. Res. 2019, 52, 1957; Chem. Sci. 2025, 16, 255). The desired start date is July 1, 2026, although this is flexible in order to accommodate the needs of outstanding candidates.

The successful applicant will use a deep understanding of synthetic inorganic and organic ligand chemistry, as well as molecule preparation and purification. Nanomaterial design to develop systems for catalysis is a plus but not required. Motivated applicants with a Ph.D. in any area of synthetic chemistry will be considered. A candidate with a strong background in solution-phase synthetic preparations and characterizations, as well as familiarity manipulating air- and moisture-sensitive chemicals, is ideally suited for the project. We seek to employ someone with demonstrable experience in chemical purification and characterization of starting materials and reaction products by standard techniques (NMR, IR, Mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, TEM, and DFT calculations also desirable).

The Zaleski Lab is a dynamic multidisciplinary laboratory environment. The successful applicant will play an integral role within our growing team and will emerge with a skill set that is equally relevant to academia and industry. Trainees receive regular guidance and feedback to ensure progress is made toward their career goals, whatever those may be. Trainees are also afforded the scheduling flexibility needed to maintain an appropriate work life balance and a safe laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

1. Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management and coordinating multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.
2. Adapt existing, and develop new, scientific techniques and experimental protocols to achieve research objectives.
3. Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.
4. Assist in setting up a new research laboratory at IU (e.g. setting up Schlenk lines, ordering equipment etc.).
5. Contribute ideas for new research projects.
6. Undertake comprehensive and systematic literature reviews and write up the results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
7. Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters.
8. Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
9. Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.
10. Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.

Basic Qualifications

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with organometallic synthesis and relevant analytical techniques (NMR, SXRD, mass-spectrometry etc.) is essential. The preferred candidate will have a deep understanding of organic and/or inorganic synthesis.

Department Contact for Questions

Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to: Prof. Jeff Zaleski, Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, [e-mail].

Salary and Rank

Salary 50,000

Special Instructions

The initial appointment for this position will be for 12 months. Additional 12-month extension will be available based on performance. A competitive salary along with a benefits package will be offered.

For Best Consideration Date

06/10/2026

Expected Start Date

07/01/2026

Posting Number

33329

Supplemental Questions

• Will you now or in the future require employer sponsorship for employment (e.g. H-1B status)?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application
• List Of References

Optional Documents

• Letter of Reference 1
• Letter of Reference 2
• Letter of Reference 3
• Research Agenda