Postdoctoral Researcher

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas Department of Chemistry seeks a postdoctoral researcher in theoretical chemistry to work with Professor Marco Caricato. Start date is October 1, 2026, negotiable.

The appointment is initially one year with possible renewal subject to funding and performance. Responsibilities include developing CC-PBC methods for periodic systems, mentoring students, and engaging in professional development, including presenting at conferences.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry or a closely related field.
• Experience in electronic structure methods.
• Experience in computer programming.

Responsibilities

• 80% - Develop CC-PBC methods to study electronic and optical properties of periodic systems, and apply to polymers, surfaces and films; analyze data and contribute to manuscripts.
• 10% - Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in their research activity.
• 10% - Participate in career development workshops and give oral presentations at meetings.

Skills

Electronic structure methods

Programming

Education

Ph.D. in chemistry

Tools

Python

Job description

Position Overview

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Kansas seeks to fill a postdoctoral research position in theoretical chemistry, working in the group of Professor Marco Caricato.

STARTING DATE: October 1, 2026 (negotiable)

LENGTH OF APPOINTMENT: Initial appointment is for one year with possibility of renewal annually subject to mutual agreement and continued grant funding.

GENERAL DUTIES: The successful candidate will develop electronic structure methods for materials based on coupled cluster theory with periodic boundary conditions and will apply these methods to study electronic and optical properties of materials.

Job Description

80% - Perform research for the development of CC-PBC methods to study the electronic and optical properties of periodic systems, and for the application of these methods to polymers, surfaces and films, and crystalline materials. Analyze the data and contribute to the writing of manuscripts for publication.

10% - Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in their research activity.

10% - Professional development: this may include developing a detailed plan together with the PI, participating in career development workshops, and delivering oral presentation in national and international meetings.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry or a closely related field.
• Experience in electronic structure methods.
• Experience in computer programming.

To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title or equivalent title, it is necessary to have the Ph.D. in hand. Appointment duration will be extended upon final verification of degree.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of Ph.D. within the last three years.
• Experience in post-Hartree Fock methods.
• Experience with Python programming language.

Contact Information

Marco Caricato

[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

$60,000

Anticipated Start Date

Thursday October 1, 2026