Research Scientist II

About the role

The Research Scientist classification provides a career path for experienced researchers with a doctoral or equivalent degree. Under minimal or general guidance from the principal investigator, the role involves conducting independent, complex scientific research or scholarship, generating grant funding, and publishing research results. The Research Scientist may serve as a principal investigator on grants if they hold an SDSU adjunct faculty appointment and meet departmental requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Independent Research in Photocatalytic Organic Synthesis (40%): Design, develop, and execute research projects focused on photocatalytic and photoredox organic transformations, including reaction discovery, catalyst development, reaction optimization, substrate-scope evaluation, and synthesis of novel organic compounds.
• Mechanistic Studies and Reaction Characterization (20%): Investigate reaction mechanisms using kinetic studies, isotope-labeling experiments, kinetic isotope effects (KIE), radical trapping, light on/off studies, quenching experiments, electrochemical measurements, and spectroscopic characterization.
• Organic Synthesis and Compound Characterization (20%): Synthesize and purify starting materials, catalysts, intermediates, and target compounds using modern organic synthetic methods. Characterize compounds and reaction products using NMR, GC-MS, LC-MS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and other analytical techniques.
• Research Data Analysis, Documentation, and Publication (15%): Analyze and interpret experimental results, maintain accurate laboratory records, conduct literature reviews, prepare figures and supporting data, and contribute to research manuscripts, presentations, reports, and scholarly publications.
• Other Duties as Assigned (5%): Perform additional research, laboratory, administrative, collaborative, or scholarly duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator in support of the Yan Lab research program.

Requirements

• Doctoral or equivalent degree and a minimum of two (2) years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at the time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).