Postdoctoral Position in Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy of Singlet Fission Materials

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details

• Job Title:
  
  Postdoctoral Position in Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy of Singlet Fission Materials
• Requisition Number: DU14041
• Department Name: 8E030:
  Chemistry
• Work Location:
  
  Lexington, KY
• Salary Range: $47,476
• Type of Position:
  Other
• Position Time Status:
  Full-Time
• Required
  
  Education:
  
  Recent or soon‑to‑be‑completed PhD in the field of ultrafast laser spectroscopy in chemistry or physics
• Required Related
  
  Experience:
  
  Hands‑on experience with ultrafast nonlinear optical spectroscopy (e.g., femtosecond transient absorption), including laser operation, optical alignment, data analysis and interpretation
• Required License/Registration/Certification:
  None
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Sitting and/or standing for extended periods; carrying or lifting lightweight objects; repetitive actions
• Shift: Standard lab working hours, 8‑5 Monday‑Friday

Job Summary

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position focused on exploring the photophysics of organic singlet fission materials using femtosecond electronic spectroscopy and related coherent optical techniques. The successful candidate will investigate photoinduced electronic and vibrational dynamics in a range of molecular and thin‑film systems that undergo singlet fission, with the goal of uncovering how molecular structure, electronic coupling, and environment govern multiexciton generation and spin coherence.

Using state‑of‑the‑art nonlinear spectroscopies, the researcher will probe processes spanning femtoseconds to nanoseconds, developing a microscopic understanding of correlated excited states and their potential applications in quantum information science and energy conversion.

This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary setting, engaging with researchers specializing in time‑organic synthesis (Dr. Anthony's group) and time‑resolved EPR spectroscopy. The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in connecting spectroscopic observations with theoretical models and synthetic advances, contributing to the broader effort of designing next‑generation quantum and optoelectronic materials.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in ultrafast spectroscopy, photophysics, or condensed‑phase dynamics, along with experience in experimental design, data acquisition and analysis. A keen interest in structure‑function relationships in organic materials and in advancing fundamental understanding through cutting‑edge spectroscopy is highly desirable.

Required Documents and Application Instructions

Applicants must include a Cover Letter and CV. In addition, please provide the names and contact information of three references uploaded as Specific Request
1. This information may be utilized to solicit recommendation letters from your references within the employment system.

Questions about this search should be addressed to Dr. Shahnawaz Rather, Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky (s.rather).

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

• Knowledge and experience with advanced spectroscopic techniques, such as 2D electronic spectroscopy (2
  
  DES), 2D infrared spectroscopy (2
  
  DIR), coherent pump‑probe spectroscopy are desirable but not necessary.
• Knowledge and experience working with singlet fission materials are desirable but not necessary.

Final date to receive applications

01/04/2026

University Community

We value the well‑being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Pre‑employment

Screening

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre‑employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Curriculum Vita

Cover Letter

Specific Request 1

Optional Documents

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