Postdoctoral Fellow, Center Water Environment

Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Water and the Environment

Department: Fariborz Maseeh Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

Weekly

Hours:

40

FLSA Status: Exempt

Start Date: Feb 1, 2026

Position Duration: Until Mar 1, 2030

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to strengthen the synthetic chemistry section of our laboratory. The successful candidate will be an expert in supramolecular chemistry with strong experience in organic synthesis and will contribute to the design and synthesis of small organic molecules, including biomimetic artificial ion transporters for nutrient and metal ions. This position offers an exciting opportunity to help shape a growing research program and to work on cutting‑edge projects at the interface of synthetic chemistry and membrane science.

• Conduct multi‑step organic synthesis and polymer synthesis.
• Expertise and interest in retrosynthesis and development of new synthesis schemes.
• Characterize artificial and biological ion channels.
• Plan, execute, and analyze experiments independently.
• Fabricate different types of lipid and/or polymeric membranes.
• Conduct experiments to evaluate membrane ion–ion separation performance.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and prepare data for publications and presentations.
• Work effectively in a collaborative, team‑oriented research environment.
• Assist in the preparation of research proposals and grant applications.
• Be the point person for putting reports together for funding agencies.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students, as appropriate.

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field, completed by the start date and within three years of receipt of the doctoral degree.
• Demonstrated expertise in organic synthesis, including multi‑step synthesis and compound characterization.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Experience with ion and/or water transport assays across lipid and/or polymeric membranes.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

• Experience with transport measurements, including electrophysiological measurements, stopped‑flow–based measurements, and other common spectroscopic assays.

$61,093+ depending on qualifications.

• May work with hazardous chemicals.
• May work with compressed gas cylinders.
• May work with high pressure and temperature equipment.
• May work under standard office conditions.
• Use of manual dexterity.

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%).
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options.
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 7.75% employer matching funds.
• Additional voluntary retirement programs:
  Tax‑Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a deferred compensation program 457(b).
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.
• Robust free training access through Linked In Learning plus professional conference opportunities.
• Tuition assistance.
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets.
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff .
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin Cap Metro buses with staff .

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay…