Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of North Texas; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Texas in Denton invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Ma Lab (Chemistry). The role focuses on design, synthesis, and functionalization of COF materials for catalysis and fabrication of COF membranes for water treatment and metal extraction.

Qualifications include a Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering, a strong COF design/synthesis background and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science or chemical engineering.
• Strong background in COF design and synthesis (design/synthesis of organic monomers).
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experiments.
• Contribute to training and supervision of graduate and undergraduate students.
• Help to maintain laboratory equipment.
• Contribute to writing proposals and papers.

Skills

COF design

COF synthesis

Strong communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science or chemical engineering

Job description

Title: Postdoctoral Research Assoc

Employee Classification: Postdoctoral Research Assoc

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Science

Department: UNT-Chemistry-121200

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and discipline, in accordance with university guidelines and available funding.

FTE: 1.00

Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

The Ma research lab has been focusing on the development of advanced functional porous materials including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and porous organic polymers (POPs) for energy, biological, environmental-related applications with over 400 papers published thus far including more than 100 publications in top journals such as Nature、 Nature Synthesis, Nature Commun.、J. Am. Chem. Soc.、Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.、 Science Adv.、Chem、Adv. Mater.、ACS Cent. Sci. After staying at the University of South Florida for ten years, Dr. Shengqian Ma moved to the University of North Texas as the Robert A. Welch Chair in Chemistry in August 2020. The Ma Lab at the University of North Texas was newly renovated in January 2022 with over 3000 square feet and has purchased a large number of new instruments/facilities to facilitate the research in porous materials such as Rigaku SmartLab X Powder X-ray Diffractometer, Rigaku XtaLAB Synergy-I Single Crystal X-ray Diffractometer, JOEL SEM, DRIFTS, Micromeritics ASAP2020, ASAP2020 Plus, 3FLEX Gas Sorption Analyzer, HPVA-II High-Pressure Gas Sorption Apparatus, DVS Vapor Sorption apparatus, Maruun LabMaster Glove box, Solvent Purification System, Millipore water purifier. To learn more about the Ma Lab at the University of North Texas, please visit the Ma Research Website: https://sites.chemistry.unt.edu/~sqma/.

UNT has a highly diverse campus with a wide range of languages spoken in addition to English. We welcome candidates who have experience with HSI/MSIs and/or who speak Spanish, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin and other variations), Arabic, Tagalog, Farsi, French, or/and Yoruba.

Position Overview

The position encompasses the design/synthesis/functionalization of COF materials for catalysis and fabrication of COF membranes for water treatment (e.g. PFAF removal) and extraction of critical metals (e.g. lithium, gallium, platinum group metals, rare earth metals).

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science or chemical engineering
• Strong background in COF design and synthesis (particularly design/synthesis of organic monomers)
• Strong communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred background in fabrication of COF/POP membranes
• Experience in electrodialysis and nano-fluidic membranes is desirable

Job Duties

• Plan and execute experiments
• Contribute to training and supervision of graduate and undergraduate students
• Help to maintain laboratory equipment
• Contribute to writing proposals and papers

Work Schedule

Varies based upon assignment

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.