Postdoctoral Scholar: Anomalous Small and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (ASWAXS)

Job Summary:

The NSF ChemMatCARS located at Sector-15 of the Advanced Photon Source (APS), Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (https://chemmatcars.uchicago.edu/) has immediate openings for motivated postdoctoral researcher in the area of integrating Microfluidics with ASWAXS. This position involves conducting research focused on microfluidics utilizing the Anomalous Small and Wide Angle X-ray Scattering (ASWAXS).

The positions will have access to world-class facilities at the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory. The experimental candidates will also have opportunities to collaborate with experts in fundamental and translational research and use ASWAXS, one of the techniques available at NSF’s ChemMatCARS that specializes in measuring element-specific structures of disordered or short-range order materials in diverse fields such as chemistry, material sciences, biology, and engineering.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop a scientific project utilizing microfluidics and ASWAXS with guidance from responsible scientific staff.
• Integrate a generic microfluidics infrastructure into the existing ASWAXS facility, guided by the responsible scientific staff.
• Develop data analysis tools for the scientific project.
• Present research findings through manuscripts in journals and presentations at workshops and conferences.
• Assist scientific staff in setting up ASWAXS instrumentation for experiments.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacy, or related field.

Required Skills:

• Experience with the development of microfluidics-based instrumentation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for presenting research findings.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in interdisciplinary collaborative research.
• Experience with Small/Wide Angle X-ray/Neutron Scattering.
• Proficiency in developing data analysis tools using programming languages such as Python, Matlab, C , or Fortran.
• Familiarity with UV/VIS and Raman spectroscopy.

Project Duration:

• The expected starting date of the position is June 1, 2024.
• The position will be offered for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.

Application Process

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply by sending the following documents to Dr. Mrinal Bera (mrinalkb@uchicago.edu):

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Research statement, with a specific emphasis on microfluidics and x-ray scattering-based research.
• Three recommendation letters.

NSF’s ChemMatCARS, funded by the National Science Foundation, serves as a National User Facility, providing experimental infrastructure to investigate dynamic and structural properties of interest to chemical, materials, and physical scientists within the United States and abroad (see https://chemmatcars.uchicago.edu). The University of Chicago is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Additional information on benefits and being a postdoc at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering can be found at: https://pme.uchicago.edu/academics/postdoctoral-researchers.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University's Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination: https://www.uchicago.edu/non-discrimination.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $56,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Lemont, IL 60439: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lemont, IL 60439

Salary : $56,000 - $65,000