Postdoctoral Associate l

Position Function:

UWe are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join Prof. Dongmao Zhang’s research group in the Department of Chemistry at Mississippi State University. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research in optical spectroscopic instrumentation and play a key role in developing novel tools, conducting experiments, and advancing the group’s research goals.

Salary Grade:  UC

For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

For information on the Department of Chemistry, please visit www.chemistry.msstate.edu

Anticipated Appointment Date:

January 1, 2025

Tenure Track Status:

N/A

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Research & Development:
o Conduct independent research in the development of optical spectroscopic tools.
o Author user manuals and documentation for newly developed instruments.
o Present weekly research progress at group meetings.
o Prepare and submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals.
o Disseminate research findings through oral and poster presentations at national conferences.
o Assist the PI in writing grant proposals.

• Lab Management & Mentorship:
o Provide experimental and technical supervision to graduate students.
o Mentor and train new graduate and undergraduate students on instrument development and usage.
o Oversee daily lab operations, including equipment maintenance, safety training, chemical inventory, and procurement of lab supplies.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or Materials Science, with all requirements completed by the start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience with design and implementation of the optical spectroscopic instrumentation, with a strong emphasis on circularly polarized spectroscopy.
• Proficiency in Python or similar platforms for instrument control and data acquisition.
• Familiarity with optical design tools such as Zemax.
• Strong communication skills, with a proven ability to document and present research findings clearly.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A proactive, self-driven research mindset with the ability to work both independently and in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing research priorities.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards in laboratory practices, with a focus on safety and research excellence.
• Openness to embracing diversity and exploring new research directions

Instructions for Applying:

Interested candidates must apply msujobs.msstate.edu and submit the following materials:
• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a full list of publications.
• Three most relevant publications.
• A one-page statement of research interests.
• Contact information for three references.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or 

employment@hrm.msstate.edu

.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or 

employment@hrm.msstate.edu

. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.