Postdoctoral position in material design and nano-electrochemistry

Postdoctoral Position In Material Design And Nano-Electrochemistry

We are seeking a curious, motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our research lab at the Rowland Institute  research is primarily in physical/analytical chemistry and is strongly interdisciplinary. Specifically, our core technique is scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM), a powerful electrochemical imaging method for probing electrochemical processes at nanoscale sites on complex electrodes. We aim to advance the capability and applications of this technique to demystify activity at complex electrodes across multiple length scales (nano- to macro), enable new types of measurements, achieve an unprecedented understanding of electro-materials used for diverse applications, and guide the rational design of next-generation energy conversion and storage devices.

We are particularly seeking candidates with expertise in synthesizing, fabricating, and characterizing materials (conductive metal-organic frameworks, 2D & hierarchical structures, single-atom catalysts, etc.) for electrochemical energy conversion and storage applications. Previous experience with scanning probe microscopy is beneficial but not compulsory. Successful candidates will be expected to contribute to material synthesis, plan and lead research projects, acquire and analyze experimental data, supervise and mentor undergraduate students, prepare and submit peer-reviewed journal articles, and present their work at professional conferences.

They will also be encouraged to develop their ideas within the field and to pursue independent funding opportunities.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with an annual salary starting at $67,600. Contracts are for one year, with the possibility of a yearly extension for up to 2 more years, contingent upon funding availability and satisfactory performance. Flexible start date from September 2026. The priority Final date to receive applications is September 13th. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and open until the position is filled.

Notable publications:

• Proton transport through nanoscale corrugations in two-dimensional crystals. O. Wahab,
  
  E. Daviddi, P. Z. Sun,
  
  E. Griffin,
  
  A. W. Colburn,
  
  D. Barry, M. Yagmurcukardes,
  
  F. Peeters,
  
  A. Geim, M. Lozada-Hildalgo, & P. Unwin. Nature. 2023, 620, 782–786.
• Thousand-fold increase in O2 electroreduction rates with conductive MOFs. R. Mariano, O. Wahab, J. Rabinowitz, J. Oppenheim, T. Chen, P. R. Unwin, M. Dincă. ACS Central Science. 2022, 8 (7), 975–982.
• Screening surface structure-electrochemical activity relationships of Cu electrodes under CO2 electroreduction conditions. O. Wahab, M. Kang,
  
  E. Daviddi, & P. R. Unwin. ACS Catal. 2022, 12, 6578–6588.
• Microstructural Origin of Locally Enhanced CO2 Electroreduction Activity on Gold. R. Mariano, M. Kang, O. Wahab, I. McPherson, J. Rabinowitz, P. Unwin, M. Kanan. Nat. Mat. 2021, 20, 1000–1006.
• Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy: A Natural Technique for Single Entity Electrochemistry. O. Wahab, M Kang, P Unwin. Curr, Op. in Elec. 2020, 22, 120-128.

Basic Qualifications
- PhD or equivalent (or close to submission) in a relevant area of chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering, or a relevant discipline, and must have a good understanding and skills in electrochemistry, material synthesis, or analytical science & instrumentation.

Additional Qualifications
- In addition to core expertise in material synthesis, preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in one or more of the following areas: surface characterization using spectroscopy and electron microscopy; macroscale electrochemistry;
Finite Element Modeling with COMSOL Multiphysics; and an appreciation for nanoelectrochemistry or scanning probe techniques.

Special Instructions
- The complete application package should include a resume, cover letter, publication samples, and letters of recommendation. In your cover letter or a separate statement of research, please outline your relevant expertise or research experience, describe how your background aligns with the advertised position, and share your future research plans in…