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 Research Associate in the Sessler Lab will design, synthesize, and characterize novel supramolecular host molecules (macrocycles, molecular cages, and metal-organic frameworks) to develop highly selective chemical separation methods for critical and strategic materials—including germanium, indium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, and rare earth elements. This work aims to overcome the limitations of conventional extraction techniques by leveraging advanced molecular recognition principles to support critical materials supply chains essential to semiconductors, electronics, and other high-technology industries.

Responsibilities include:

• Supramolecular Host Design: Design and synthesize novel host molecules tailored to selectively bind target critical elements based on their size, charge, and coordination properties.
• Optimization of Binding Interactions: Investigate and fine-tune the chemical interactions that govern how strongly and selectively these host molecules bind target elements, in order to improve separation performance.
• Template-Directed Molecular Assembly: Develop molecular architectures capable of distinguishing between chemically similar elements that are otherwise difficult to separate, using shape- and size-based design strategies.
• Advanced Materials Characterization: Utilize analytical instrumentation to characterize synthesized compounds and evaluate separation performance.
• Surface and Structural Analysis: Apply techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron microscopy to examine the structural and chemical properties of separation materials at the molecular and nanoscale level.
• Process Evaluation and Optimization: Conduct thermodynamic and kinetic studies to evaluate and improve separation efficiency under realistic processing conditions.
• Mentoring and Professional Contributions: Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory techniques and research methodology, participate actively in weekly lab group meetings, and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and presentations at scientific conferences.

Required qualifications include:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related field (organic chemistry background preferred)
• Strong background in supramolecular and coordination chemistry, host–guest interactions, and molecular design, with experience in organic synthesis of macrocycles, molecular cages, and/or metal-organic frameworks
• Proficiency in advanced analytical and characterization techniques (e.g., NMR spectroscopy, HPLC-MS, X-ray diffraction, ICP-OES/ICP-MS) and quantitative data analysis
• Experience with surface and nanoscale characterization methods (e.g., XPS, TEM, STM) preferred
• Knowledge of critical materials supply chain science and green chemistry principles preferred
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations

Salary range is $62,000 + depending on qualifications for a 30 hour/week workload.

Working conditions include:

• 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 include:

• 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