Post Doctoral Scholar, Chemistry

We present an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and skilled researcher to join our team as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Inorganic/Organometallic Chemistry at the University of Central Florida (UCF). This unique position offers a blend of advanced research in molecular inorganic and organometallic chemistry, with a downstream interest in reactivity, catalysis and relevant mechanistic investigations.

The successful candidate, housed in the labs of, and co‑advised by Professors John Gordon and Titel Jurca, will play a pivotal role in advancing cutting‑edge molecular inorganic chemistry. Responsibilities include the synthesis and characterization of novel coordination complexes employing techniques spanning conventional air‑free synthesis, to alternative sono‑ and mechanochemical methodologies. Relevant complexes will be further studied for reactivity, with potential application to catalytic processes.

Additionally, the candidate will participate in standard laboratory responsibilities of upkeep/maintenance, the collective supervision of graduate and undergraduate students, and dedicated activities related to professional development.

• Research:
  Conduct advanced research in the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of novel molecular inorganic complexes.
• Collaboration:
  
  Actively collaborate across both Gordon and Jurca groups, and the REACT cluster at UCF, in pursuit of the research goals.

• Ph.D. in organometallic, inorganic, or catalysis chemistry.
• Strong background in standard molecular analysis techniques including NMR, FTIR, mass‑spec, scXRD (not required but desirable).
• Experience in air‑free synthetic techniques (Schlenk line, inert atmosphere glovebox).

• Excellent writing, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Track record of high‑quality publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Experience with X‑ray crystallography.

• Competitive salary and benefits package, starting from $60,000.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development.
• Renewable based on mutual agreement and fund availability.
• UCF provides a vibrant and inclusive research environment with state‑of‑the‑art facilities.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a brief summary of research accomplishments, and arrange for two reference letters to be sent directly to titel.jurca. Application review begins on January 5th, 2026 and the position will remain open until January 31st, 2026. Expected start date is between 05/01/2026 and 07/01/2026.

As a next‑generation public research university and Forbes‑ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country.

You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

• State Benefits eligibility for OPS employees are subject to criteria established by the State of Florida.
• The state’s benefits administrator, People First, determines eligibility and coordinates enrollment.
• If this position becomes eligible for state benefits the employee will be notified directly by People First.
• OPS positions are not entitled to paid time off.

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research‑related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a…