Postdoctoral Associate

Job Summary

NIST’s Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) and Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) are developing a new spectroscopic method to study intermolecular interactions. Specifically, the team is developing a spectroscopic method that takes advantage of both electric and acoustic phenomena to study intermolecular interactions of ion pairs and other dipoles in solution. This spectroscopy will enable the design of more efficient chemical separations, better catalysts, etc. The team doing device validation is located in the MML Applied Chemicals and Materials Division (Fluid Characterization Group) and uses existing spectroscopy techniques including high pressure NMR, acoustic spectroscopy, and dielectric spectroscopy to validate the new electric-acoustic method. The team will probe simple, well-known intermolecular interactions such as the ion-pairing of simple salts with and without crown ethers.

We encourage applications for a postdoctoral research associate to study ion-pairing phenomena by use of dielectric spectroscopy and acoustic spectroscopy. Measurements of ion-pairing equilibria or ion-complexation equilibria (in crown ethers or organometallic cages, for example) are of interest. A short-term goal of this project is to validate the performance of electric-acoustic spectroscopy, the new technique discussed above. Longer-term goals include the development of highly efficient separations and catalytic reactions. This is a collaborative project with an interdisciplinary team of experimentalists and theorists from multiple groups and laboratories at NIST. Extensive interaction between experimentalists and theorists is expected.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

PREP is a special partnership between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado Boulder. PREP provides research opportunities to CU undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in NIST labs to gain research experience alongside NIST scientists.

The particular group that needs a researcher is the Fluid Characterization Group under the Applied Chemicals and Materials Division at NIST.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Design and conduct dielectric and acoustic experiments to measure ion-pairing or ion-complexation equilibria in solution.
• Analyze data and make uncertainty determinations for results.
• Present findings in oral and written formats for formal and informal audiences.
• Other duties as assigned.

What We Can Offer

The salary range is $66,000 - $87,750 and will be based on relevant background and experience.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder .

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What We Require

• a PhD in chemistry (or closely related field) before the position’s start date.
• Previous experience with dielectric spectroscopy and acoustic measurements.

What We Would Like You To Have

• Significant experience with thermodynamic measurements is highly desirable.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

During the application process, you will need to enter contact information for one reference and we will request a letter of recommendation from them immediately following your application.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Lisa Valencia

Posting Contact Email: recruitprep@colorado.edu