Postdoctoral Research Associate I

The Energy Frontier Research Center on Soft PhotoElectroChemical Systems (SPECS; specs.arizona.edu), funded by the Department of Energy, seeks two motivated postdocs, with complementary technical strengths, to research the basic science underpinning the use of semi-conducting/conductive polymeric materials, to study in-situ electrochemistry of conductive polymers, which includes applications to solar fuels, catalysis/photoelectrochemistry, capacitors/batteries, and emerging sensing applications based on organic electrochemical transistors.

The SPECS EFRC offers a high-energy, cohesive environment to do team-based science, with partners at a number of institutions and national laboratories. We are looking for strong candidates in fundamentals of spectroelectrochemistry, an interest in multi-length scale characterizations, and a desire to work with a highly collaborative team. Strong communication skills - specifically writing and speaking - are a must.

Both positions offer exciting opportunities to combine fundamentals of spectroscopy and/or microscopy and electrochemistry applications to understand next-generation materials systems. The two postdocs will have independent projects, but be asked to coordinate efforts with other members of the SPECS EFRC.

The aim is to develop mechanistic insights and new physiochemical models that allow chemistry to effectively drive the search for new materials and enhance the understanding of the fundamental structure-property relationships at electrochemically reactive interfaces in applications such as electro- and photocatalysis, photoelectrochemical cells, energy storage systems, sensors, as well as flexible solar and display technologies. Candidates will be responsible for device construction, experimental design, in-situ electrochemical testing, and subsequent interpretation of electrochemical performance to understand electrochemical kinetics and transport processes.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

This position will focus on understanding fundamental chemical behaviors and transport properties of conductive polymer systems in high dielectric environments. A major component of this project will include the use of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and other chemical and microscopy capabilities to evaluate catalytic sites on conducting polymers that allow for charge transfer reactions.

In general, SPECS
research projects focus on the use of a diverse characterization toolbox across
spatiotemporal scales to study interface phenomena to better understand
interconnected chemical-electronic-physical structure-property relationships in
state-of-the art and next generation energy conversion and storage devices.

Each postdoc is
expected to take a leading role in the use, data interpretation, and technique
development as related to his or her specific project. Each postdoc will routinely prepare inks and
thin films and conduct measurements using a variety of spectroscopic and
electrochemical approaches. The postdocs are expected to actively participate
in the dissemination of research findings through weekly meetings with the PI
and other group members, interact with LISPEM collaborators from academia and
national laboratories, author monthly reports, publish in top journals, and aid
in the training of graduate and undergraduate students.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of organic semiconductors, either in electrochemistry and/or under light and dark conditions, as it applies to solar fuels and/or (photo)catalysis, is desired.
• Familiarity with printable electronic materials, including pi-conjugated polymers, is ideal.
• Candidates should be able to interpret electrochemical data at multiple length scales including fundamental molecular understanding of the role of electrolyte/semiconductor interfaces in charge transfer and transport processes.
• An enthusiasm for technique development and experience in authoring Labview programs and/or Python or MatLab coding for large dataset analysis are highly desired. A solid background of (electro)chemical degradation processes is a plus.
• Both postdoc positions involve working effectively across disciplinary boundaries and in team-science environments.
• Applicants must be able to communicate their results effectively verbally through periodical meetings and in writing through reporting.
• Ability to travel to various states. Because of the collaborative nature of the science being supported by SPECS/Department of Energy funding, each postdoc will be expected to be able to travel to each of the partner institutions in SPECS (Georgia Insitute of Technology, Emory University, Univ. of Kentucky, Univ. of Colorado and the National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL)) for extended stays so as to conduct research at those sites and integrate scientists at those institutions into this research. As such each postdoc must have visa status that allows them to travel freely to these sites, and to various synchrotron facilities in the U.S, including SLAC, ALS and BNL light sources.

• Candidates must
  hold a PhD in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, or materials science
  (or similar field) upon hire with a strong background in electrochemical and
  spectroscopic methods.
• Experience in
  molecular-based systems, including tethered molecular materials on metal oxide
  supports, are relevant.

• Postdoctoral applicants should not
  be more than four years post PhD.