Post Doctoral Research Fellow

Boise State University, powered by creativity and innovation, stands uniquely positioned in the Northwest as a metropolitan research university of distinction. Learn more about Boise State and the City of Boise at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/

Boise State University is building an inclusive community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, cultural contributions, work history, and perspectives create a rich and rewarding academic experience for our students. Research demonstrates that people thrive when they feel welcome, respected, and inspired. We seek applicants who are committed to helping us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Applications from members of historically marginalized groups, including women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged.

Serves in a temporary position that enables an individual with their Ph.D. to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will prepare them for their research career in academia or elsewhere. As a postdoc, the position can perform mostly independent research, collaborate on a multi-scholar research initiative, or even may have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger research project or program, all while under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in Chemistry. The department's vision is to “Promote student success through excellence in chemistry.” We realize this vision by providing exceptional student research experiences and a curriculum that includes developing critical thinking skills, independent research projects, instrumentation training, exceptional laboratory practices, and mastery of scientific writing.

As a Carnegie R2 ranked institution (Ph.D. granting, high research activity), we are dedicated to increasing high impact research. Our faculty members conduct research in areas such as drug discovery, medicinal chemistry & medical devices, cosmochemistry, prebiotic chemistry, archaeological science, computational chemistry, enzymology and enzyme mechanisms, RNA and protein chemistry, and polymer chemistry. Our faculty members participate and mentor Ph.D. graduate students in transdisciplinary programs including Materials Science and Engineering, Biomolecular Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Computing, and Systems Engineering (planned).

We are committed to a culture goal of “Work in a department that embraces a team spirit of cooperation and respect for all.” Please visit this website to learn about our department and faculty: https://www.boisestate.edu/chemistry/.

After earning a Ph.D., the next step in the academic or research career path is often a postdoc. A postdoc is a continuation of a researcher’s training that enables them to further their professional development and start to transition from student to independent researcher. Postdocs also often take additional leadership or teaching responsibilities in their laboratory or department. These positions are usually two to three years and it is not unusual for a researcher to do more than one postdoc.

35% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow may:

• Problem solve research challenges and model development, as applicable.
• Contribute discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.
• Prepare complete documentation of research activities for reference purposes, including following applicable data management protocols.
• Analyze, interpret, and document research findings for review.
• Compare actual and expected results and suggest solutions to correct the deviations.
• Evaluate existing research or modeling techniques and recommend improvements to ensure quality and productivity.
• Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports.
• Assist in teaching classes.

60% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow must:

• Develop and implement multiscale models in first-principles condensed matter simulation packages
• Develop new features in the Environ library and in its Python refactoring, with a focus on its coupling with other quantum and classical embedding approaches
• Apply the developed tools in the fields of materials design for (photo-)electrochemistry, (photo-) electrocatalysis, and interface binding of organic molecules
• Provide regular dissemination of the research results through scientific publications and oral presentations in national meetings
• Supervision of PhD, masters, and undergraduate students
• Contribute to the organization of workshops, hackathons, and tutorials
• Collaboration with other national and international developers

5% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow must:

• Perform other duties as assigned

Basic

• The selected candidate must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer reviewed publications.
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data.
• Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general.
• Excellent project and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and mentoring skills.
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the work place.

Preferred

• Preference is given for a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated theoretical understanding of and expertise in density functional theory (DFT), time-dependent (TD) DFT, and molecular dynamics (MD), as they apply to the study of molecular aggregates and DNA scaffolds.
• Working knowledge of machine learning, data science, and programming (e.g., Python or other relevant language) techniques applied to materials research.
• Working theoretical background knowledge of the chemistry of dyes and nucleic acids, as well as energy transfer mechanisms at the molecular level.

Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D. or commensurate 5 yrs. experience in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering or related field is preferred. Working knowledge of Python and/or experience with software development is desired. Experience with Quantum Espresso and/or classical molecular dynamics simulation packages is preferred.

$50,502.40 annual salary. Boise State University is committed to offering a benefits package that provides health and financial protection plans as well as resources to promote health and well-being. Our program provides flexibility so you can choose the benefits that are right for you and your family. Learn more about our benefit options at https://www.boisestate.edu/hrs/benefits/.

CV/Resume, Cover Letter, 3 References