The Department of Chemistry at the University of Virginia invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in the laboratory of Prof. Michelle Personick. The postdoc will work with Prof. Personick to study catalytic reactions at the surface of well-defined, bimetallic nanostructures. This fundamental project will probe the catalytic performance and surface structure of these materials across reaction environments, including gas phase and liquid phase conditions.

The Personick Research Group is advancing the state of the art in the synthesis of precision nanomaterials and is using these materials to define catalytic structure-function relationships at an elevated level of mechanistic detail. Well-defined metal nanoparticles provide a platform for structure-activity studies of catalytic transformations at the intersection of macroscopic single crystal model surfaces and working catalysts, thereby filling the critical “pressure and materials gap” in catalyst design from fundamental principles. A particular emphasis will be placed on reactions relevant to (1) the energy transition to renewable fuels and (2) sustainable chemical production from renewable feedstocks.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Candidates must have a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field by the start date. Experience in catalysis or surface science with relevance to catalysis is required. Preferred qualifications include experience with thermal heterogeneous catalysis at the gas-solid interface, plasmonic photocatalysis, surface characterization, and/or materials synthesis. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and attach a cover letter indicating your research interests in the Personick Lab, a detailed curriculum vitae, and the contact information for three individuals who can provide professional reference letters.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on November 4, 2024, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for two additional one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Michelle Personick, Associate Professor, at equ5hz@virginia.edu

For questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@virginia.edu

For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.