Research Associate

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for a Research Associate in the Sessler Lab to design, synthesize, and characterize novel supramolecular host molecules for selective separation of critical materials. Emphasis on macrocycles, molecular cages, and MOFs to support semiconductor supply chains.

The role requires a PhD in chemistry or closely related field, strong background in host–guest chemistry, and expertise with NMR, HPLC-MS, XRD, and ICP-OES/ICP-MS.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in supramolecular and coordination chemistry with experience in macrocycles, molecular cages, and/or metal–organic frameworks.
• Proficiency with analytical techniques (NMR, HPLC-MS, XRD, ICP-OES/ICP-MS) and data analysis.
• Experience with surface and nanoscale characterization methods (XPS, TEM, STM) preferred.
• Ability to conduct independent research, mentor students, and contribute to publications.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize host molecules tailored to bind target elements (Ge, In, Hf, Ta, W).
• Investigate and optimize binding interactions to improve separation performance.
• Develop molecular architectures using template-directed assembly strategies.
• Characterize synthesized compounds using ICP-OES/ICP-MS, NMR, HPLC-MS, and X-ray diffraction.
• Apply X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron microscopy for material analysis.
• Conduct thermodynamic and kinetic studies to enhance separation efficiency.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and contribute to manuscripts and conferences.

Skills

Supramolecular chemistry

Coordination chemistry

Molecular design

Organic synthesis

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field

Tools

NMR spectroscopy

HPLC-MS

X-ray diffraction

ICP-OES/ICP-MS

Job description

General Notes

The Department of Chemistry is currently ranked 16th by the most recent US News & World Report survey. The department is a center of excellence with a community of world-class scholars, scientists, teachers and students who are supported by stable funding and state-of-the-art facilities. It is recognized as one of the preeminent academic centers for research and education in chemistry in the country.

Job Posting Title

Research Associate

Hiring Department

Department of Chemistry

Position Open To

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours

30

FLSA Status

Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date

Sep 15, 2026

Position Duration

Expected to Continue

Location

UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details

General Notes The Department of Chemistry is currently ranked 16th by the most recent US News & World Report survey. The department is a center of excellence with a community of world-class scholars, scientists, teachers and students who are supported by stable funding and state-of-the-art facilities. It is recognized as one of the preeminent academic centers for research and education in chemistry in the country.

Purpose

The Research Associate in the Sessler Lab will design, synthesize, and characterize novel supramolecular host molecules (macrocycles, molecular cages, and metal-organic frameworks) to develop highly selective chemical separation methods for critical and strategic materials—including germanium, indium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, and rare earth elements. This work aims to overcome the limitations of conventional extraction techniques by leveraging advanced molecular recognition principles to support critical materials supply chains essential to semiconductors, electronics, and other high-technology industries.

Responsibilities

• Supramolecular Host Design: Design and synthesize novel host molecules (such asmacrocycles, molecular cages, and metal-organic frameworks) tailored to selectively bindtarget critical elements (Ge, In, Hf, Ta, W, and rare earth elements) based on their size,charge, and coordination properties.
• Optimization of Binding Interactions: Investigate and fine-tune the chemical interactions(e.g., hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, and other non-covalent forces) that govern howstrongly and selectively these host molecules bind target elements, in order to improveseparation performance.
• Template-Directed Molecular Assembly: Develop molecular architectures capable of distinguishing between chemically similar elements that are otherwise difficult to separate, using shape- and size-based design strategies.
• Advanced Materials Characterization: Utilize analytical instrumentation — including ICP-OES/ICP-MS, NMR spectroscopy, HPLC-MS, and X-ray diffraction — to characterize synthesized compounds and evaluate separation perfomance.
• Surface and Structural Analysis: Apply techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron microscopy to examine the structural and chemical properties of separation materials at the molecular and nanoscale level.
• Process Evaluation and Optimization: Conduct thermodynamic and kinetic studies to evaluate and improve separation efficiency under realistic processing conditions.
• Mentoring and Professional Contributions: Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory techniques and research methodology, participate actively in weekly lab group meetings, and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and presentations at scientific conferences.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related field (organic chemistry background preferred)
• Strong background in supramolecular and coordination chemistry, host–guest interactions, and molecular design, with experience in organic synthesis of macrocycles, molecular cages, and/or metal-organic frameworks
• Proficiency in advanced analytical and characterization techniques (e.g., NMR spectroscopy, HPLC-MS, X-ray diffraction, ICP-OES/ICP-MS) and quantitative data analysis
• Experience with surface and nanoscale characterization methods (e.g., XPS, TEM, STM) preferred
• Knowledge of critical materials supply chain science and green chemistry principles preferred
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Salary Range

$62,000 + depending on qualifications for a 30 hour/week workload.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory-based position requiring regular use of chemical reagents and standard laboratory equipment
• Handling of hazardous materials in accordance with established safety protocols
• Use of advanced analytical instrumentation (e.g., NMR, LC-MS, spectroscopy systems)
• Combination of laboratory experiments, computational work, and data analysis
• Occasional extended hours to support experimental timelines and research deadlines

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Minimum of three letters of reference, at least two of which must be from referees outside of the University of Texas at Austin.
• Letter of interest

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) : Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.