Postdoctoral Research Associate I

The Energy Frontier Research Center on Soft PhotoElectroChemical Systems (SPECS; specs.arizona.edu), funded by the Department of Energy, seeks two motivated postdocs, with complementary technical strengths, to research the basic science underpinning the use of semi-conducting/conductive polymeric materials, to study in-situ electrochemistry of conductive polymers, which includes applications to solar fuels, catalysis/photoelectrochemistry, capacitors/batteries, and emerging sensing applications based on organic electrochemical transistors.

The SPECS EFRC offers a high-energy, cohesive environment to do team-based science, with partners at a number of institutions and national laboratories. We are looking for strong candidates in fundamentals of spectroelectrochemistry, an interest in multi-length scale characterizations, and a desire to work with a highly collaborative team. Strong communication skills - specifically writing and speaking - are a must.

Both positions offer exciting opportunities to combine fundamentals of spectroscopy and/or microscopy and electrochemistry applications to understand next-generation materials systems. The two postdocs will have independent projects, but be asked to coordinate efforts with other members of the SPECS EFRC.
The aim is to develop mechanistic insights and new physiochemical models that allow chemistry to effectively drive the search for new materials and enhance the understanding of the fundamental structure-property relationships at electrochemically reactive interfaces in applications such as electro- and photocatalysis, photoelectrochemical cells, energy storage systems, sensors, as well as flexible solar and display technologies. Candidates will be responsible for device construction, experimental design, in-situ electrochemical testing, and subsequent interpretation of electrochemical performance to understand electrochemical kinetics and transport processes.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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This position will focus on unique
properties of photoelectrochemical systems of conducting polymer donors and acceptors, intended for ultimate use in solar fuel formation, including
photo-generated hydrogen production from water. This project will include the
use of scanning probe and electrochemical methods, with a focus on the
nanoscale.

In general, SPECS research projects focus on the use of a diverse
characterization toolbox across spatiotemporal scales to study interface
phenomena to better understand interconnected chemical-electronic-physical
structure-property relationships in state-of-the art and next generation energy
conversion and storage devices.
Each postdoc is
expected to take a leading role in the use, data interpretation, and technique
development as related to his or her specific project. Each postdoc will
routinely prepare inks and thin films and conduct measurements using a variety
of spectroscopic and electrochemical approaches. The postdocs are expected to
actively participate in the dissemination of research findings through weekly
meetings with the PI and other group members, interact with LISPEM
collaborators from academia and national laboratories, author monthly reports,
publish in top journals, and aid in the training of graduate and undergraduate
students.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge
  of organic semiconductors, either in electrochemistry and/or under light
  and dark conditions, as it applies to solar fuels and/ or
  (photo)catalysis, is desired. Familiarity with printable electronic
  materials, including pi-conjugated polymers, is ideal.
• Candidates
  should be able to interpret electrochemical data at multiple length
  scales including fundamental molecular understanding of the role of
  electrolyte/semiconductor interfaces in charge transfer and transport
  processes.
• Both
  postdoc positions involve working effectively across disciplinary
  boundaries and in team- science environments.
• Familiarity with printable electronic materials, including pi-conjugated polymers, is ideal.
• Applicants must be able to communicate their results effectively verbally through periodical meetings and in writing through reporting.
• Ability to travel to various states. Because of the collaborative
  nature of the science being supported by SPECS/Department of Energy funding,
  each postdoc will be expected to be able to travel to each of the partner
  institutions in SPECS (Georgia Insitute of Technology, Emory University, Univ.
  of Kentucky, Univ. of Colorado and the National Renewable Energy Laboratories
  (NREL)) for extended stays so as to conduct research at those sites and
  integrate scientists at those institutions into this research.

• Candidates must hold a PhD in chemistry,
  physics, chemical engineering, or materials science (or similar field) upon
  hire with a strong background in electrochemical and spectroscopic methods.

• Experience in molecular-based systems, including tethered molecular
  materials on metal oxide supports, are relevant.
• Postdoctoral applicants should not be more than four years post PhD.
• Each postdoc must have visa status that allows them to travel freely to these sites, and to various synchrotron facilities in the U.S, including SLAC, ALS
  and BNL light sources.

• Experience in authoring Labview programs and/or Python or MatLab coding for large dataset analysis are highly desired. A solid background of (electro)chemical degradation processes is a plus.