Job Description

Postdoctoral Scholar Position in Field-effect Transistor-based Chemical and Biological Sensing

The Chemical and Biological Sensing Group at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and Argonne National Laboratory’s Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division (https://www.junhongchengroup.pme.uchicago.edu/) has immediate openings for motivated postdoctoral research fellows in the area of field-effect transistor (FET)-based chemical and biological sensors. The large-scale projects are funded by the US National Science Foundation, and offer a unique opportunity to work in a highly dynamic, collaborative, interdisciplinary environment with a team of world-class experts in molecular engineering, materials science, chemistry, artificial intelligence, data science, plant biology, sustainability, immunology, and infectious diseases. The postdoctoral research fellows will focus on the discovery and molecular engineering of novel FET sensing platforms using two-dimensional nanomaterials as a channel material for the detection of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) and critical minerals (e.g., Li, Ni, and Co ions) in water. The positions will have access to world-class facilities at the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory. The experimental candidates will have opportunities to collaborate with theoreticians and to mentor graduate students or undergraduate students. The candidates will also coordinate between project team members and communicate results via journal articles and presentations at national and international conferences. Successful candidates will be supervised by Prof. Junhong Chen, a leading nanomaterial sensor expert with rich experience in both fundamental and translational research (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=eEdKpQgAAAAJ&hl=en).

Qualifications: A recent Ph.D. in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, chemistry, material sciences, or a related field is required. Strong motivation and communication skills in English, self-initiative, willingness to learn across fields, a collaborative team-based outlook, and enthusiasm for real-time chemical and biological sensing are essential. The following skills are desirable but not required for the ideal candidates: 1) knowledge and working experience with PFAS; 2) micro- and nano-fabrication of field-effect transistors; 3) knowledge and experience in 2D nanomaterials; 4) characterization techniques for 2D nanomaterials and nanodevices; and/or 5) additive manufacturing/printing of electronic devices.

Applicants must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The starting date is Spring 2024, or as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of renewal for two more years contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding. The salary is negotiable, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, a CV, and a list of three references to Ms. Keturah Mitchell (kkd7587@uchicago.edu) in one single PDF document.

Additional information on benefits and being a postdoc at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering can be found at: https://pme.uchicago.edu/academics/postdoctoral-researchers.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University's Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.