Research Scientist in Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry is seeking qualified candidates for a Research Scientist position to work in the lab of Professor Sen Zhang.

In the Zhang laboratory, we are on a mission to develop functional materials with tailored and well-defined surfaces, interfaces and cross-scale architectures that enables unique catalytic properties and applications. Join our team in tackling the grand challenge of catalysis and sustainable chemistry and materials.

Role Overview: We are seeking a highly qualified and dynamic Research Scientist with extensive experience in electrocatalysis to join our team. The successful candidate will lead cutting-edge research projects focusing on the modulation and optimization of electrocatalysts and electrochemical reactors and processes. In this role, the researcher will actively contribute to groundbreaking research projects, developing and applying novel methodologies to create new classes of catalysts and catalyst-incorporated devices. This position involves the synthesis and characterization of well-defined materials to understand the structure-property relationships as well as the development of techniques for the characterization of catalysts under electrochemical in-situ or operando conditions. Additionally, this position will investigate how membrane electrode assembly structure and catalyst-electrolyte interface affect the optimization of electrochemical device performance. The targeted chemical transformation processes include water electrolysis and emerging or tandem electrochemical conversions of renewable feedstocks into chemicals and fuels.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct and lead research focused on the development of novel catalysts.
• Design and synthesize innovative chemical approaches for fuel, energy storage, and sustainable chemicals.
• Utilize cutting-edge techniques in in-situ and operando characterization for catalyst structures and interfaces.
• Analyze and interpret complex research data, contributing to publications and presentations.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to advance catalyst projects.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the development of a collaborative research environment.

Qualification Requirements:

Requires a Ph.D. degree or Master’s degree with significant experience in materials and organic chemistry and catalysis, or a related field is required by the start date. A PhD degree in the above fields is preferred. Additional qualifications are:

• Proven expertise in the design and synthesis of catalysts.
• Strong track record in the modulation and optimization of electrochemical interface, electrocatalytic reactor, and process.
• Experience in applying in-situ and operando structural characterization techniques.
• Excellent communication skills and a strong publication record.
• For this position, 3+ years of experience (post the date of most advanced graduate degree) is preferred.

Salary and benefits offered will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidates.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and attach a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on April 11, 2025, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Professor Sen Zhang, Professor, at sz3t@virginia.edu

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

For more information on the benefits available to Research Scientists at UVA, visit https://hr.virginia.edu/benefits

The University of Virginia, i ncluding 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 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.