Greater Chicago Midwest HERC

Department Information:

The Department of Chemistry consists of a well-rounded research community with cutting-edge expertise in a wide variety of modern disciplines including analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, and biochemistry.

Job Summary:

The Goicoechea Lab in the Department of Chemistry at Indiana University is accepting applications for a postdoctoral research position. The position involves the design and synthesis of compounds of the p-block elements for the activation of ammonia (see here for recent work: Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2021, 60, 23625; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2021, 60, 22057). The expected start date is June 1, 2023, although this is flexible in order to accommodate the needs of outstanding candidates. The successful applicant will use a deep understanding of organometallic chemistry, combined with state-of-the-art analytical methods to develop complexes capable of stoichiometrically and, ultimately, catalytically activating N–H bonds. Motivated applicants with a Ph.D. in any area of chemistry will be considered. A candidate with a strong background in solution-phase synthetic inorganic chemistry, capable of manipulating air- and moisture-sensitive chemicals, is ideally suited for the project. We seek to employ someone with demonstrable experience in single crystal X-ray diffraction and/or multi-element NMR spectroscopy.

The Goicoechea Lab is a dynamic multidisciplinary laboratory environment. The successful applicant will play an integral role within our growing team and will emerge with a skill set that is equally relevant to academia and industry. Trainees receive regular guidance and feedback to ensure progress is made toward their career goals, whatever those may be. Trainees are also afforded the scheduling flexibility needed to maintain an appropriate work life balance and a safe laboratory environment in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Responsibilities:

1. Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management and coordinating multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.

2. Adapt existing, and develop new, scientific techniques and experimental protocols to achieve research objectives.

3. Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.

3. Assist in setting up a new research laboratory at IU (e.g. setting up Schlenk lines, ordering equipment etc.)

4. Contribute ideas for new research projects.

5. Undertake comprehensive and systematic literature reviews and write up the results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

6. Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters.

8. Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.

9. Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.

10. Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.

Ph.D. in chemistry by January 2023.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with organometallic synthesis and relevant analytical techniques (NMR, SXRD, mass-spectrometry etc.) is essential. The preferred candidate will have a deep understanding of the chemistry of the main group elements.

Questions can be directed to: Prof. Jose M. Goicoechea, Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, jgoicoec@iu.edu.