Job Description

Description

The Department of Chemistry in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University (WVU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow. Under the leadership of Matthew Lockett, the incumbent in this position will conduct research in the fields of design and characterization of hybrid photoelectrode architectures, where molecular catalysts are immobilized on the surface of semiconductor electrodes. Applicant will innovate in the research areas of material functionalization, measurement, electrode performance, and catalyst design. This is a full-time, 9-month, benefits-eligible position.

Responsibilities

This position will support the research endeavors of Prof. Matthew Lockett and his research lab in the areas of electroanalytical chemistry, bulk electrolysis, surface analysis, and (catalyst-mediated) product analysis.
The ideal candidate will design, implement, and analyze experiments independently to solve a wide range of moderate to complex research challenges. Individuals are expected to maintain detailed logs or research-related activities, develop and write-up experimental protocols, accurately record data and research methods. Candidate is expected to train laboratory members in techniques they learned in previous research experiences and develop within the laboratory.
Candidate will search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for research goals and in addition will read scientific literature, attend workshops and research conferences and to keep abreast of technological advances and current research findings.
Candidate will work closely with Prof. Lockett, meeting frequently to discuss research progress and results. These meetings will be regularly scheduled and ad hoc. Candidate is expected to attend sub-group meetings and provide feedback and guidance to other laboratory members, as well as receive feedback on their progress.
Successful candidates will effectively communicate and defend their experimental findings, data workup, and interpretations. Strong writing skills are expected, and the candidate will work closely with Prof. Lockett to prepare manuscripts for publication, technical abstracts for conferences, and grant proposals.
The candidate will maintain and troubleshoot instrumentation critical to the laboratory, including but not limited to potentiostats, bulk electrolysis setups, gloveboxes, gas chromatograph, and other surface analysis methods.
The candidate will assist, as needed, in the supervision of graduate and undergraduate students who are part of the Lockett Laboratory. The candidate will also coordinate collaborations with research groups within the West Virginia University and external institutions, including National Laboratories. External collaborations may require travel outside of the Morgantown area.
The candidate will assist with acquisition of funding from public, private, and governmental sources, including assistance with development of novel research proposals for sponsor submission.
The candidate is expected to complete an Individual Development Plan (an assessment tool designed to help develop and monitor professional goals unique to the incumbent’s career development) within 3 months of starting, and to update this annually.
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field is required.
In addition, the successful applicant must have:
Chemical Analysis or Analytical Chemistry
Electroanalytical chemistry
Surface modification using wet chemical methods (preferred)
Surface characterization techniques such as, but not limited to, electron microscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, and surface probe

microscopies (preferred)

The successful candidate may be permitted to begin employment prior to degree confirmation with a letter certifying the trainee has completed all degree requirements from their university.



Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to adapt current protocols to meet experimental needs.
Ability to perform independent analyses of data obtained from experiments.
Ability to draw conclusions from data obtained from experiments and determine next steps.
Ability to effectively communicate and defend experimental findings, data interpretation, conclusions and significance in formal and informal group settings.
Ability to effectively communicate experimental results in presentations, publications, and other professional communications.
Ability to complete and publish at least one first-author per year in the Lockett Group.
Ability to search the literature and identify key publications in areas related to research activities.
Ability to identify and assist with acquisition of funding from public, private, and governmental sources, including assistance with development of novel research proposals for sponsor submission.
Ability to maintain detailed logs of work- related activities, including accurate laboratory records and data on research methods, procedures, and results.
Ability to ensure compliance with research protocols and safety requirements.
Ability to maintain accountability for laboratory results and progress.
Ability to oversee research facilities, maintaining lab equipment; inventory of lab assets; monitor and assure proper use and conditions of lab equipment and personnel as needed.
Requirements

Requires the ability to perform research, working in a wet chemical laboratory that requires dexterity when using personal protective equipment (PPE) to handle materials or chemicals. Research will be carried out, in part, in a cleanroom environment and a shared research facility on the Evansdale Campus (where the cleanroom is housed). Individual is required to move between the different campuses at West Virginia University, transporting samples.
Movement across campuses (health sciences, engineering, downtown) occurs on an as needed basis.