A postdoctoral position is available beginning approximately March 1, 2010 (a later start is negotiable, but not earlier), in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Duquesne University, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The research project includes the structural and physicochemical characterization of new, multinary chalcogenides and dilute magnetic semiconductors. A variety of synthetic methods will be pursued to prepare these materials, such as traditional high-temperature solid-state synthesis, molten salt flux synthesis, solvothermal synthesis and microwave irradiation methods. Characterization methods will include, but are not limited to, powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction, solid-state UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and magnetic susceptibility. Qualified applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree before they begin the position. A background in solid-state chemistry or materials science and experience using X-ray diffraction techniques is essential. The ideal applicant will have expertise in solid-state synthesis and/or nanoparticle preparation methods. Experience using GSAS or WIEN2K would be a plus but is not necessary. Duquesne University houses a relatively new PANalytical X’Pert Pro MPD powder X-ray diffractometer with several attachments including a 15-position sample changer and a high temperature stage, as well as a relatively new Bruker Apex II CCD single crystal X-ray diffractometer with low temperature capabilities. A new variable pressure scanning electron microscope equipped with EDS and EBSD detectors will arrive in approximately January of 2010. For additional information, please see this website, http://www.scienceresearch.duq.edu/chem/chemdept/index.html. Interested applicants should send a complete resume and a short cover letter to Dr. Jennifer A. Aitken via email as soon as possible, aitkenj@duq.edu. Three letters of recommendation may be requested from applicants at a later date, but should not be sent with these initial application materials. The e-mail should have the subject heading “Solid-State Postdoc Position”.

The postdoctoral fellow is expected to carry out synthesis and characterization of multinary chalcogenides as well as supervise graduate and undergraduate student researchers.  A variety of synthetic methods will be pursued to prepare these materials, such as traditional high-temperature solid-state synthesis, molten salt flux synthesis, solvothermal synthesis and microwave irradiation methods. Characterization methods will include, but are not limited to, powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction, solid-state UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and magnetic susceptibility.