Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Computational Chemistry
Washington State University

Online applications must be received before 12:00am on:

December 3, 2024

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):306-YN_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research AssociateBusiness Title:Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Computational ChemistryEmployee Type:Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)Position Term:12 MonthPosition Details:

The Opportunity:
Professor Popov's computational group at the Department of Chemistry of Washington State University (WSU) is excited to announce an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the computational modeling of heavy-element compounds with the focus on deciphering the role of 4f/5f electrons in metal-ligand bonding and quantification of covalency in relation to reactivity. You may take part in the Transuranic Center of Research Excellence (TRUCoRE) team, which is supported by the National Nuclear Security Administration of the Department of Energy (NNSA DOE). You will work in close collaboration with the experimentalists to understand the geometrical and electronic structures of the transuranic hydride complexes as well as transuranic coordination compounds in the extreme oxidation states of the metal.

This is a twelve-month, fixed-term position with the possibility of annual renewal for up to three years contingent upon satisfactory performance, interest, and availability of funds. The position will be based in Pullman, WA, with the potential for some remote work, within the Department of Chemistry at WSU.

Responsibilities:

• Running quantum-mechanical calculations.

• Writing manuscripts/proposals.

• Participating in conferences.

• Training and mentoring students.

• Taking an active role as a team member in the TRUCoRE team.

• Specific duties include, but not limited to, geometry optimization/frequency calculations, orbital decomposition, electron density partitioning/electron localization, energy decomposition, spectroscopic, and redox properties analyses employing DFT, multiconfigurational, and relativistic electronic structure methods.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in chemistry, physics, or related field. The candidate must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment and be within 5 years of completion of the Ph.D.

• Strong background in computational chemistry employing DFT and multireference calculations.

• Demonstrated communication skills to be able to participate collaboratively with team members and subject matter experts coupled with self-motivation to work independently.

• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.

• Willingness and desire to learn new skills and willingness to work on emerging projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in performing relativistic calculations for the f-block coordination compounds.

• Strong publication record, including calculations on modeling electron density, redox potentials, chemical bonding interactions, reactivity, and spectroscopic signatures of lanthanide- and actinide-based compounds.

• Experience in deciphering localized and multicenter interactions, analyses of covalency of metal-ligand bonding, simulating electron correlation and spin-orbit coupling effects.

• For foreign nationals, the ability to pass a background check to be able to participate in the projects related to the NNSA DOE.

Additional Information:

Area/College: College of Arts & Sciences
Department Name: Chemistry
City, State, Zip: Pullman, WA, 99164
Department Link: Department of Chemistry Web
Annual Salary: $56,000 | In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for Faculty please review the summary of benefits for WSU Faculty and Total Compensation

Overtime Eligibility: This position is overtime eligible.

FTE: 100%
Temporary End Date: This is a twelve-month, fixed-term, temporary position with the possibility of annual renewal for up to three years contingent upon satisfactory performance, interest, and availability of funds.
Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Documents may be submitted in one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF if possible. Applicants will be requested to provide contact information for professional references within the online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

• External candidates, please upload all documents in the "Resume/CV" section of your application.

• Internal candidates, please upload all documents in the "Resume/Cover Letter" section of your application.

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter describing your interests, career objectives, and qualifications for the position

• Curriculum Vitae

• Copies of three representative publications

• Names and contact information for three professional references

Contact Ivan Popov (ivan.popov@wsu.edu) for additional information.

Time Type:Full timeWASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.Notice of Non-DiscriminationWSU prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates complaint with Title IX. Inquiries regarding Title IX and reports of sex discrimination can be directed to the WSU Title IX Coordinator. More information on WSU's policies and procedures to respond to discrimination and harassment are available here: Nondiscrimination statement.

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