Research Associate Full-time NEW

Research Associate

The Department of Chemistry is currently ranked 16th by the most recent US News & World Report survey. The department is a center of excellence with a community of world-class scholars, scientists, teachers and students who are supported by stable funding and state-of-the-art facilities. It is recognized as one of the preeminent academic centers for research and education in chemistry in the country. The Department has the highest average amount of external funding per faculty member in the College of Natural Sciences.

The Research Associate in the Sessler Lab will independently lead research in supramolecular chemistry, focusing on PFAS detection, transport, and remediation, as well as chiral molecular systems. This role integrates synthetic chemistry, advanced analytical methods, and computational modeling, while supporting collaborative research, publications, and grant development.

• Design and synthesize supramolecular host systems for PFAS recognition, transport, and chiral molecular applications
• Develop and optimize PFAS detection, transport, removal, and degradation strategies using supramolecular approaches
• Conduct quantitative and analytical studies using LC-MS, NMR, UV–vis, fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction techniques
• Perform binding, kinetic, and mechanistic analyses, including titrations and variable-temperature NMR studies
• Design and evaluate adaptive-locking chirality (ALC) systems and chiroptical properties (CD, CPL)
• Apply computational modeling (DFT/TD-DFT) and electrochemical methods to study molecular behavior and properties
• Collaborate on interdisciplinary research initiatives, contribute to grant proposals (NSF/NIH), and lead manuscript preparation for publication

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field
• Strong background in supramolecular chemistry, host–guest interactions, and molecular design, with experience in organic synthesis
• Proficiency in advanced analytical techniques (e.g., NMR, LC-MS, UV–vis, fluorescence, X-ray diffraction) and data analysis
• Experience with computational chemistry methods (e.g., DFT/TD-DFT) and/or electrochemical techniques preferred
• Knowledge of PFAS chemistry or environmental applications preferred
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, publish findings, and contribute to grant proposals

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Salary Range: $59,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Laboratory-based position requiring regular use of chemical reagents and standard laboratory equipment
• Handling of hazardous materials in accordance with established safety protocols
• Use of advanced analytical instrumentation (e.g., NMR, LC-MS, spectroscopy systems)
• Combination of laboratory experiments, computational work, and data analysis
• Occasional extended hours to support experimental timelines and research deadlines

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Minimum of three letters of reference, at least two of which must be from referees outside of the University of Texas at Austin.
• Letter of interest