Scientist II

UW-Madison College of Letters & Science; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

UW-Madison College of Letters & Science in Madison, WI seeks a Scientist II to lead academic research projects and collaborations in catalysis, chemical synthesis, and electrochemistry within the Stahl Research Group. The role includes exploring new directions and serving as an expert in laboratory methods to support group projects.

Responsibilities include project management with the PI, equipment maintenance, mentoring graduate students and post‑docs, and assisting in manuscripts and grant

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated research experience in catalysis, electrochemistry, and related areas.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities.
• Mentors graduate students and post‑doctoral researchers working on group projects.
• Assists in writing and editing manuscripts and grant proposals.
• Complete progress reports and prepare presentations for relevant funding agencies and external audiences.
• May supervise the day‑to‑day activities of a research unit as needed.
• Identifies research problems and develops complex research methodologies and procedures.

Skills

Catalysis

Organic synthesis

Inorganic synthesis

Electrochemistry

Kinetics

Laboratory techniques

Schlenk techniques

Glovebox techniques

Data analysis

Communication

Education

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Parr reactors

Job description

Job Category

Academic Staff

Employment Type

Regular

Job Profile

Scientist II

Job Summary

This Scientist will help lead academic research projects and industrial collaborations related to catalysis, chemical synthesis, and/or electrochemistry within the Stahl Research Group as part of the UW-Madison Department of Chemistry. The position will also include initial exploration of new research directions and serving as an expert in laboratory methods to support projects within the group.

Representative laboratory methods could include the following (prior experience in all areas is not required):

• Chemical synthesis, including preparation of organic, organometallic, and inorganic compounds
• Homogeneous and/or heterogeneous catalytic reactions, including design, set-up, and performance
• Kinetic and mechanistic studies, including data acquisition, analysis, and fitting
• Air‑free techniques, including Schlenk techniques and glovebox use, for synthesis and/or sample/reaction analysis
• High‑pressure reactions (i.e., use of Parr reactors), including the safe operation of reactions with O₂ at elevated pressure
• Spectroscopic and analytical measurements under various conditions for characterization of molecules and materials. Examples include NMR, UV‑vis, EPR, and Mössbauer spectroscopies and LC‑MS and GC‑MS analysis, in addition to various materials characterization methods.
• Electrochemical techniques, including analytical and preparative methods

Beyond laboratory work, this individual will:

• Work with the PI to support project management of funded projects
• Work with the lab manager to support maintenance and operation of group equipment
• Mentor graduate students and post‑doctoral researchers working on group projects
• Assist in writing and editing manuscripts and grant proposals
• Complete progress reports and prepare presentations for relevant funding agencies and external audiences.

The Scientist will have opportunities to travel to conferences and collaborator sites to support the project and disseminate project outcomes.

This is a Full‑Time 100% FTE position.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• May supervise the day‑to‑day activities of a research unit as needed
• Identifies research problems and develops complex research methodologies and procedures
• Serves as a unit subject matter expert and liaison to internal and external stakeholders providing advanced level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
• Monitors program budget and approves unit expenditures
• Collects and analyzes complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision

Department

College of Letters & Science, Chemistry

Stahl lab research focuses on catalysis, with an emphasis on selective oxidation reactions of organic molecules relevant to the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industry, and the application of electrochemistry and electrocatalysis for chemical synthesis.

The Stahl lab also has research efforts in applied fields, including biomass and waste plastics deconstruction and valorization.

Additional information about lab research activities is available on the lab website (https://stahl.chem.wisc.edu) and by reviewing recent research publications from the group.

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is $75,000 - $100,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Actual pay within this range will depend on experience and qualifications. Only those with extensive relevant experience will be placed around the high end of that range.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Please review the summary of benefits for more information.

Required Qualifications

• Strong theoretical knowledge of organic and/or inorganic chemistry.
• Research expertise in multiple areas of experimental chemistry, among the following::
• Homogeneous and/or heterogeneous catalysis
• Synthetic organic chemistry
• Kinetic and mechanistic studies,
• Electrochemistry
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of responsibilities, follow established procedures, and consistently deliver accurate, dependable work
• Ability to build positive working relationships, provide guidance and support to others, and communicate openly and professionally.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively communicate experimental methods, results, and

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the development and implementation of analytical methods for small molecule characterization
• Experience in the operation of high‑pressure reactors (i.e., Parr reactors)
• Experience in analysis and fitting of kinetic data
• Experience and/or interest in learning computational methods, include DFT calculations, Python coding, and machine learning methods
• Ability to troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline.

Contact Information

Beatriz Lemire, [e-mail]

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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The University of Wisconsin‑Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

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Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

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