Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description

A Postdoctoral Associate position is available in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA, USA) in the broad area of gas-phase photocatalysis. The postdoctoral associate will be responsible for synthesizing photoactive materials and coupling them with active centers. In addition to synthesis, the position will involve characterization using UV-vis spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, etc. The synthesized catalysts will also be studied for mechanistic aspects of the reaction in a photocatalytic reactor.

Kinetic models will be combined with spectroscopy to shed light on the structure-property correlations. The postdoctoral associate will contribute to the dissemination of scientific results through publications, presentations, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. The successful candidate will join Prof. Samira’s research group at Virginia Tech, integrating all of these techniques. Opportunities exist for collaboration with computational catalysis researchers, operando characterization at synchrotrons and other catalysis researchers across Virginia Tech.

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field awarded. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Background in spectroscopy and/or reaction kinetics is expected.
• Experience with UV-vis or FTIR spectroscopy.
• Strong track record in scientific productivity and publications.
• Excellent communication skills.

• Exposure to kinetic modeling of chemical reactions, diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and catalyst synthesis.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with computational scientists and surface scientists.

Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

Commensurate with experience

40

March 13, 2026

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, a Graduate School, and an Honors College.

The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

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