Position Details

The Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts + Sciences at Indiana University is a highly collegial department with cutting-edge expertise in a wide variety of modern disciplines including materials chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. The department has remarkable characterization facilities including multiple transmission electron microscopes including a state-of-the-art NeoArm JEOL, multiple powder and single crystal X-ray diffractometers, NMR, EPR, and time-resolved fluorescence amongst others.

The Harvey Lab at Indiana University focuses on the synthesis and spectroscopy of colloidal inorganic nanomaterials, particularly binary and ternary transition metal oxides, chalcogenides, and pnictides. Research topics range from developing new synthetic routes for unique nanocrystal compositions to in-depth characterization of electronic, optical, magnetic, and thermal properties of nanomaterials. The Harvey Lab is seeking a postdoctoral fellow with expertise in ultrafast spectroscopy. Ideal candidates will have completed a Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, or materials science/engineering by or before August 2026. The candidate must have expertise in ultrafast optical spectroscopy including transient absorption and time-resolved fluorescence. The candidate should be comfortable modifying and building optical setups. Other ideal qualifications (though not required) include firsthand experience with (i) Spectra Physics lasers, Ultrafast Systems Helios/ EOS setups, and OPAs, (ii) magneto-optical measurements such as magnetic circular dichroism, and/or (iii) nanocrystalline materials.

The Harvey Lab is a collaborative, multidisciplinary group with a wide range of research interests. Successful applicants will be joining a new group and will be vital in developing research directions and lab culture. Postdocs must be willing and excited to help mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Responsibilities:

Help in the set-up, maintenance, and upkeep of the transient absorption and magnetic circular dichroism setups. Serve as a super-user on one of these instruments and train other group members. When necessary, develop and write SOPs.

Manage own academic research project(s). Maintain good record keeping of experiments and data. Write up results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Develop new research directions within the Harvey Lab through innovative project ideas.

Mentor undergraduate and graduate students with their projects. Be an active group member who supports others and bring new skills to the lab.

Stay informed of current literature relevant to academic research projects.

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, or materials science/engineering at time of appointment. Previous experience with ultrafast optical setups.

Preferred Qualifications:

Leadership and mentorship experience. Applicants should have strong communication skills. Strength in both generating and analyzing complex datasets.

Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to: Prof. Samantha Harvey, Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, samaharv@indiana.edu

The initial appointment for this position will be for 12 months. Additional 12-month extension will be available based on performance. A competitive salary along with a benefits package will be offered.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, CV, and contact information for three references to http://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/33384 In the letter of application, please include a separate page with one paragraph describing a potential research project that combines your skills with research areas within the group. This does not need to be very in depth. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Do not email your application, it must be submitted through the portal.