Postdoctoral Research Associate

Montana State University; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 57,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University’s Neufeldt Lab in Bozeman invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar to work on a federally funded chemistry project focused on isohypsic (redox-neutral) catalytic cross‑coupling. Responsibilities include synthesis and characterization, reaction optimization, data analysis with NMR, GC, GC-MS, mentoring junior researchers, and preparing reports and publications.

A PhD in chemistry is required; experience with inert atmosphere techniques and organometallic chemistry

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry or related field by start date.
• Expertise with organic lab techniques, including inert atmosphere manipulations, organic reaction optimization, and NMR spectroscopy.

Responsibilities

• Synthesis and characterization of organic molecules and organometallic complexes.
• Designing and conducting experiments for reaction optimization and mechanistic studies.
• Analyzing results with NMR, GC, and GC-MS; keeping detailed records.
• Writing reports, papers, and proposals.
• Training and mentoring new researchers in the lab.

Skills

Inert atmosphere manipulations

Organic reaction optimization

NMR spectroscopy

Education

Ph.D. in chemistry or related field

Tools

NMR spectroscopy

GC

GC-MS

Job description

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

The Neufeldt Lab is looking for a motivated postdoc to complete a federally funded chemistry research project.

Position Number

Position Number 4C0601 - LT

Department

Division

Division College of Letters & Science

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Research Professional

Contract Term

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible

Salary $57,000 - $60,00 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type

Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

The Neufeldt lab at Montana State University (Bozeman, MT) is looking for a postdoctoral scholar to join a research project focused on isohypsic (redox-neutral) catalytic cross‑coupling.

Duties and Responsibilities

Primary Duties:

• Synthesis and characterization of organic molecules and organometallic complexes.
• Designing and conducting experiments for reaction optimization and mechanistic studies.
• Analyzing experimental results using techniques including NMR spectroscopy, GC, and GCMS .
• Keeping appropriate records of data.
• Writing reports, papers, and proposals.

Secondary Duties:

• Training and mentoring new researchers in the lab.
• Executing assigned “group job(s)” related to equipment upkeep and lab operations.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Ph.D. in chemistry or related field by the start date of position.
• Expertise with organic lab techniques, including inert atmosphere manipulations, organic reaction optimization, and NMR spectroscopy.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience with organometallic synthesis and/or transition metal catalysis.
• Strong publication record in experimental chemistry (organic, organometallic, catalysis).
• Experience working on a team and/or mentoring undergraduate and graduate researchers.
• Experience with manuscript writing and figure preparation.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Be a motivated self-starter with a strong work ethic.
• Have excellent time management skills, including the ability to meet deadlines and to prioritize multiple projects.
• Have the ability to work independently and with others, as well as an aptitude for establishing and maintaining constructive working relationships with a wide spectrum of laboratory. personnel in a collaborative environment, while representing MSU in a professional manner.
• The ability to maintain excellent records, pay attention to detail, and effectively communicate research results in front of colleagues.
• Be immediately eligible to work in the US.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Required Application Documents

• Research Statement (max 3 pages)

Applicants will be required to list a minimum of three references during the application process.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties?

This position has supervisory duties? No

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on September 14, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).