Postdoctoral Associate
Job Description
The Department of Chemistry at Virginia Tech invites applicants to apply for a Postdoctoral Associate position with Professor Louis Madsen’s group (https://chem.vt.edu/people/faculty/lmadsen.html).
The incumbent will be expected to perform under limited supervision and to independently establish appropriate research plans that will address the objectives of the group and its research programs.
This position will focus on the following:
• Develop methods to improve composite solid-state electrolytes for advanced batteries, and optimize these electrolytes for a range of anode and cathode materials and processes
• Fabricate composite solid-state electrolytes with a range of compositions, and analyze and/or develop models for mechanical cohesion, ion transport, and interfacial processes
• Measure and correlate information from advanced analytical techniques including NMR spectroscopy and diffusometry, X-ray diffraction, thermal-mechanical analysis, SEM and TEM
• Participate in electrochemical testing and battery cell fabrication and testing
• Perform collaborative research with graduate students and scientists at Virginia Tech, DOE national labs, and other universities
• Perform independent data analysis; write and publish research in high-profile peer-reviewed journals; present results at major conferences; contribute to refining research goals and projects
Required Qualifications
• Recent PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or other appropriately related field
• Experience with energy storage and conversion science
• Ability to work as an independent researcher with a high level of scientific judgment and initiative, as well as to collaborate
• Ability to write manuscripts in English and publish in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to interface with and mentor graduate and undergraduate students
Preferred Qualifications
• Substantial knowledge of and experience with NMR spectroscopy (solids and/or liquids), NMR diffusometry and/or MR imaging techniques
• Experience with ion conduction and/or polymeric materials (e.g., solid-state electrolytes)
• Experience with standard polymer and nanoscale characterization techniques, such as thermo-mechanical analyses, X-ray scattering, AFM, SEM, and TEM
• Experience with data analysis and quantitative model building for material behaviors, with some level of programming and coding
• Track record of publications in peer-review journals
Salary Information
Commensurate with experience.
Review Date
12/10/2019
The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check
About Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT—serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation please contact the hiring department.