Postdoctoral Fellow - Zaleski Lab

Indiana University; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Zaleski Lab within the Department of Chemistry. The successful candidate will design and synthesize hybrid molecular and nanomaterial catalysts, contributing to research in bio- and chemical transformations.

This position requires a Ph.D. in Chemistry and a strong background in catalyst synthesis and materials design. The salary is set at $50,000 per year with an expected start date around July 1, 2026.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field.
• Strong background in catalyst synthesis and materials design.
• Experience with organometallic synthesis and relevant analytical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Manage own academic research and activities.
• Develop new scientific techniques and protocols.
• Assist in setting up a new research laboratory.
• Contribute ideas for new research projects.
• Collaborate in preparing scientific reports and articles.

Skills

Catalyst synthesis

Materials design

Organometallic synthesis

Analytical techniques (NMR, SXRD, mass-spectrometry, IR, TEM)

DFT calculations

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow - Zaleski Lab

Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.

Location: Bloomington, IN

Position Summary: The Zaleski Lab welcomes a postdoctoral researcher to design and synthesize hybrid molecular and nanomaterial catalysts. The role involves developing systems for bio‑ and chemical transformations/catalysis, building on the lab’s recent work in ACS Appl. Bio. Mater., Chem. Sci., ACS Catal., and Accts. Chem. Res. The start date is flexible around July 1, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Manage own academic research and administrative activities, coordinating multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.
• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols to achieve research objectives.
• Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.
• Assist in setting up a new research laboratory at IU (e.g., setting up Schlenk lines, ordering equipment).
• Contribute ideas for new research projects.
• Undertake comprehensive literature reviews and write up the results for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Collaborate in preparing scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters.
• Act as a source of information and advice to other group members on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
• Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, alone or with other members.
• Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions and research groups.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field.
• Strong background in catalyst synthesis and materials design.
• Experience with organometallic synthesis, relevant analytical techniques (NMR, SXRD, mass‑spectrometry, IR, TEM), and DFT calculations.
• Deep understanding of the chemistry of main‑group elements.

Salary and Rank

Salary: $50,000 per year, Postdoctoral Fellow.

Expected Start Date

July 1, 2026 (flexible).

For Best Consideration Date

June 10, 2026.

Contact

Prof. Jeff Zaleski
Department of Chemistry
Indiana University
800 E. Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405
[e-mail]

Application Process

Submit a cover letter, CV, maximum 5‑page research proposal, and contact information for three references to http://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/33330. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 for contact information.