Teaching Postdoctoral Fellow, Xray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Chemistry Teaching, College of A&S

Teaching Postdoctoral Fellow, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Chemistry Teaching, College of A&S

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Cincinnati invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow specializing in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and surface analysis. The successful candidate will have primary responsibility for supporting the operation and scientific use of the Department's newly acquired Kratos AXIS Supra+ X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer. This position will involve teaching and related instructional activities in the Department of Chemistry.

The AXIS Supra+ is a state-of-the-art, automated surface-analysis platform capable of high-resolution XPS spectroscopy, selected-area analysis, chemical-state imaging, and depth profiling. The Postdoctoral Fellow will operate and maintain this XPS instrument, assist internal and external users with experimental design and sample analysis, train and certify new users, and support the interpretation and reporting of surface-analysis data. The individual will also contribute to undergraduate instruction, primarily in general chemistry, with possible assignments in advanced undergraduate laboratories, instrumental analysis, surface characterization, or other chemistry courses according to departmental needs.

This position provides an opportunity to develop expertise in advanced instrumentation, facility management, interdisciplinary research collaboration, university teaching, and the operation of a shared research facility.

Essential Functions

• XPS Instrumentation and Research Support
• User Training and Facility Management
• Teaching and Mentoring

Minimum Requirements

• Doctoral degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, physics, or a closely related field completed by the appointment start date.
• Research experience involving X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, surface analysis, ultrahigh-vacuum instrumentation, or closely related materials-characterization methods.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, process, and interpret spectroscopic data.
• Strong written, oral, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while supporting a diverse community of faculty, students, research staff, and external users.
• Commitment to safe laboratory and instrument operation.

Additional Qualifications

• Hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting a modern XPS instrument.
• Experience with Kratos AXIS-series instrumentation and ESCApe data-acquisition and processing software.
• Experience with high-resolution XPS, spectral peak fitting, quantitative surface analysis, chemical-state imaging, selected-area spectroscopy, or depth profiling.
• Experience with UPS, ISS, Auger electron spectroscopy, gas-cluster ion sputtering, or air-sensitive sample handling.
• Knowledge of ultrahigh-vacuum systems, turbomolecular pumps, X-ray sources, electron-energy analyzers, charge neutralization, and ion sources.
• Experience analyzing catalysts, materials, semiconductors, polymers, thin films, biomaterials, corrosion products, or related materials.
• Experience maintaining shared instrumentation or supporting a university, national-laboratory, or industrial user facility.
• Experience training instrument users and developing standard operating procedures.
• Previous teaching experience in general chemistry, analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, or laboratory instruction.

Appointment and Supervision

The initial appointment will be for one year and may be renewed afterwards based on satisfactory performance and availability of funding. The Postdoctoral Fellow will be supervised by designated faculty in the Department of Chemistry. Teaching assignments will be coordinated by departmental leadership.

Application Process

Applicants must submit the following materials through the University of Cincinnati online application system:

• A cover letter describing the applicant's experience with XPS, surface analysis, scientific instrumentation, and teaching.
• A curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for at least two professional references.

Review of applications will begin on July 1, 2026 and will continue until the…