Postdoctoral Fellow - Wentz Lab

PeopleAdmin, Inc.; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University in Bloomington seeks a postdoctoral scholar in the Wentz Lab to develop synthesis of new main-group heterocycles, macrocycles, and polymers as functional materials. The role emphasizes anaerobic synthesis and advanced spectroscopy for characterizing new molecules.

The successful candidate will lead research projects, mentor students, and contribute to publications, receiving mentorship from Prof. Wentz and opportunities for professional growth in academia or industry.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry by the start of the appointment.
• Strong publication record in synthetic chemistry and photophysics.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage own academic research project(s).
• Develop new main-group molecules and polymers and characterize their properties.
• Write up results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Maintain lab notebooks and equipment.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in projects and instrument use.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Publications

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Chemistry

Tools

NMR

IR

Mass spectrometry

X-ray crystallography

UV-Vis spectroscopy

Photoluminescence spectroscopy

GPC

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]

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.

Title

Appointment Status

Department

Location

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 Wentz Lab at Indiana University is seeking to hire a postdoctoral scholar to develop the synthesis of new main-group heterocycles, macrocycles, and polymers as functional materials. Goals of projects in the Wentz lab are to gain a fundamental understanding of how electronic structure as well as hierarchical structure influences bulk properties in main-group materials. The ideal candidate for this role will have a strong foundation in anaerobic organic and inorganic synthesis as well as experience in the standard spectroscopic techniques (e.g. NMR , IR, Mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, UV-vis spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy) necessary for characterizing new molecules and polymers.

The Wentz Lab is a collaborative, multidisciplinary laboratory environment, and the successful applicant will play a vital role within our emerging research team. The hired postdoc fellow will gain key leadership skills valuable for a career in academia or industry through mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students. Routine feedback and guidance for postdoctoral fellows will also be provided by Prof. Wentz in group meetings as well as individual meetings to ensure progress towards their future career goals are met.

Responsibilities

• Manage own academic research project(s).
• Achieve research objectives by developing new main-group molecules and polymers and characterizing their properties.
• Write up new results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Maintain excellent record keeping through lab notebook documentation of experiments.
• Maintain equipment and instrumentation in the laboratory.
• Assist with setting up new instrumentation and other equipment purchased.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students with their projects and teach how to use new instrumentation.
• Contribute ideas for new research projects.
• Stay informed of new literature related to academic research project(s).
• Present new results and systematic literature reviews in weekly group meetings.

Basic Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Chemistry by the start of the appointment; strong publication record in synthetic chemistry and photophysics; and excellent leadership and communication skills, both oral and written.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with inert atmosphere manipulation of air- and moisture-sensitive chemicals as well as analytical techniques for characterizing the newly synthesized molecules and polymers ( NMR , IR, Mass spec, single crystal XRD , GPC , UV-vis, FL…etc.) is essential. The preferred candidate will have a deep understanding of the chemistry of the main-group elements. Experience with DFT or quantum-chemical calculations is also preferred.

Department Contact for Questions

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

Additional Qualifications

Salary and Rank

Salary and Rank $55,000

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

For Best Consideration Date 04/10/2026

Expected Start Date

Expected Start Date 06/01/2026

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• 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
• Research Agenda

Optional Documents

• Letter of Reference 1
• Letter of Reference 2
• Letter of Reference 3