Scientist II

About the role

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

• 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, including 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

Responsibilities

• 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
• Travel to conferences and collaborator sites to support the project and disseminate project outcomes
• Conduct literature reviews, prepare reports and materials, and disseminate information to appropriate entities
• Attend and assist with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• Write or assist in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit as needed
• Identify research problems and develop complex research methodologies and procedures
• Serve 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
• Monitor program budget and approve unit expenditures
• Collect and analyze complex research data, conduct experiments and interviews, and document results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision

Research focus

The 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.

Pay

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.

Benefits

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits.

Requirements

• 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, including 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.