Postdoctoral Position Inorganic Chemistry Jobs in Boston, MA

Position
Details
Title
Postdoctoral position in material design and nano-electrochemistry
School
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area
Rowland Institute at Harvard
Position Description
We are seeking a curious, motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our research lab at the Rowland Institute at Harvard. Our research is primarily in physical/analytical chemistry and is strongly interdisciplinary. Specifically, our core technique is scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM), a powerful electrochemical imaging method for probing electrochemical processes at nanoscale sites on complex electrodes. We aim to advance the capability and applications of this technique to demystify activity at complex electrodes across multiple length scales (nano- to macro), enable new types of measurements, achieve an unprecedented understanding of electro-materials used for diverse applications, and guide the rational design of next-generation energy conversion and storage devices.
We are particularly seeking candidates with expertise in synthesizing, fabricating, and characterizing materials (conductive metal-organic frameworks, 2D & hierarchical structures, single-atom catalysts, etc.) for electrochemical energy conversion and storage applications. Previous experience with scanning probe microscopy is beneficial but not compulsory. Successful candidates will be expected to contribute to material synthesis, plan and lead research projects, acquire and analyze experimental data, supervise and mentor undergraduate students, prepare and submit peer-reviewed journal articles, and present their work at professional conferences. They will also be encouraged to develop their ideas within the field and to pursue independent funding opportunities.
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with an annual salary starting at $67,600. Contracts are for one year, with the possibility of a yearly extension for up to 2 more years, contingent upon funding availability and satisfactory performance.
Flexible start date from September 2026. The priority application deadline is September 13th. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and open until the position is filled.
Notable publications:
1. Proton transport through nanoscale corrugations in two-dimensional crystals. O. Wahab, E. Daviddi, P. Z. Sun, E. Griffin, A. W. Colburn, D. Barry, M. Yagmurcukardes, F. Peeters, A. Geim, M. Lozada-Hildalgo, & P. Unwin. Nature. 2023, 620, 782-786.
2. Thousand-fold increase in O2 electroreduction rates with conductive MOFs. R. Mariano, O. Wahab, J. Rabinowitz, J. Oppenheim, T. Chen, P. R. Unwin, M. Dincă. ACS Central Science. 2022, 8 (7), 975-982.
3. Screening surface structure-electrochemical activity relationships of Cu electrodes under CO2 electroreduction conditions. O. Wahab, M. Kang, E. Daviddi, & P. R. Unwin. ACS Catal. 2022, 12, 6578-6588.
4. Microstructural Origin of Locally Enhanced CO2 Electroreduction Activity on Gold. R. Mariano, M. Kang, O. Wahab, I. McPherson, J. Rabinowitz, P. Unwin, M. Kanan. Nat. Mat. 2021, 20, 1000-1006.
5. Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy: A Natural Technique for Single Entity Electrochemistry. O. Wahab, M Kang, P Unwin. Curr, Op. in Elec. 2020, 22, 120-128.
Basic Qualifications
PhD or equivalent (or close to submission) in a relevant area of chemistry, materials Science, or chemical engineering, or a relevant discipline, and must have a good understanding and skills in electrochemistry, material synthesis, or analytical science & instrumentation.
Additional Qualifications
In addition to core expertise in material synthesis, preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in one or more of the following areas: surface characterization using spectroscopy and electron microscopy; macroscale electrochemistry; Finite Element Modeling with COMSOL Multiphysics; and an appreciation for nanoelectrochemistry or scanning probe techniques.
Special Instructions
The complete application package should include a resume, cover letter, publication samples, and letters of recommendation.
In your cover letter or a separate statement of research, please outline your relevant expertise or research experience, describe how your background aligns with the advertised position, and share your future research plans in relation to our lab's focus.
We will review submissions on a rolling basis and keep the position open until it is filled.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact
Dr Wahab,
60 Oxford Street,
Cambridge, 02138, MA.
Contact Email
owahab@fas.harvard.edu
Salary Range
Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field. The ranges for researchers are as follows:
Postdocs: $67,600-$80,000
Research Associates: $68,964-$95,000
Minimum Number of References Required
3
Maximum Number of References Allowed
3
Keywords
Complex electro-materials, electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, energy conversion and storage.