Work type: Non-Classified/Professional
Location: Boise, ID
Categories: Academic Programs, Research
About Us:
Boise State University, powered by creativity and innovation, stands uniquely positioned in the Northwest as a metropolitan research university of distinction. Learn more about Boise State and the City of Boise at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/
Boise State University is building an inclusive community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, cultural contributions, work history, and perspectives create a rich and rewarding academic experience for our students. Research demonstrates that people thrive when they feel welcome, respected, and inspired. We seek applicants who are committed to helping us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Applications from members of historically marginalized groups, including women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged.
Job Summary/Basic Function:
Serves in a temporary position that enables an individual with their Ph.D. to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will prepare them for their research career in academia or elsewhere. As a postdoc, the position can perform mostly independent research, collaborate on a multi-scholar research initiative, or even may have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger research project or program, all while under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.
Department Overview:
The Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSMSE) is part of a vibrant College of Engineering (COEN) at Boise State. The College offers a variety of accredited programs and enjoys a high level of support from the local high-tech industry in Idaho and the Intermountain West. The MSMSE program is ABET-accredited and one of the fastest growing MSE programs in the U.S., offering B.S., M.S., M.Engr., and Ph.D. degrees. With over 50 doctoral students, it is the largest engineering Ph.D. program in the state. A recent Micron Foundation gift of $25M seeded construction of the world class Micron Center for Materials Research building, which includes a state-of-the-art, multi-lab DNA nanotechnology facility.
Level Scope:
After earning a PhD, the next step in the academic career path is often a postdoc. A postdoc is a continuation of a researcher’s training that allows them to further their professional development and start to transition from student to independent researcher. Postdocs also often take additional leadership or teaching responsibilities in their laboratory or department. These positions are usually two to three years and it is not unusual for a researcher to do more than one postdoc.
Essential Functions:
The specific projects that the Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be responsible for leading, developing, and managing are part of a broader set of sponsored projects awarded to the Quantum DNA (qDNA) research group. These include primarily a Phase II renewal Department of Energy grant. Additional funding opportunities are anticipated to be pursued to support this position. In addition, the qDNA research group functions as a highly integrated team involving multiple technical area-specific teams, including the DNA Construct Synthesis Team. Although the Postdoctoral Research Fellow is expected to function with limited oversight and be able to contribute to solving difficult scientific problems that may involve specific research projects for which the position is the lead, they also are expected to function within an overall management structure that reflects being a member of a large research group.
60% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow must:
Conduct theoretical studies of excitons in dye aggregate systems. Develop, test, document, and train others to use modeling code that assists in linking experiment to theory and describing and understanding the behavior of dye aggregate systems and their associated excitons. Perform as part of a multidisciplinary team consisting of engineers, physicists, and chemists with expertise in a variety of steady-state, ultrafast, and single-molecule experimental methods and computational approaches. Participate as an active and supportive member of the qDNA research group, maintaining a high level of communication with its members, as well as publishing results in a timely manner and presenting annually at one or more professional conferences (travel funding is available).
35% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow may:
Problem solve research challenges and model development, as applicable. Contribute discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher. Prepare complete documentation of research activities for reference purposes, including following applicable data management protocols. Analyze, interpret, and document research findings for review. Compare actual and expected results and suggest solutions to correct the deviations. Evaluate existing research or modeling techniques and recommend improvements to ensure quality and productivity. Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports. Assist in teaching classes.
5% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow will:
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: The selected candidate must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment. Excellent teamwork and communication skills. Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer reviewed publications. Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data. Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general. Excellent project and time management skills. Strong interpersonal skills and mentoring skills. Advocate for safety and ethics in the work place.
Minimum Qualifications:
Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preference is given for a Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, or a related field. Strong theoretical background in quantum mechanics, quantum chemistry, and physical chemistry as it applies to the study of molecular aggregates, in particular exciton delocalization, electronic coherence, and quantum entanglement. Strong programming skills in Python and other software development programs. Strong mathematical physics skills.
Salary and Benefits:
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PD) will be funded via a Department of Energy, Basic Energy Science grant funded at $5M for two years that started on August 15, 2021. The current duration of the position is through August 14, 2023 based on performance, with the possibility to be extended based on future funding and continued performance.
Offered annual salary depends on experience and qualifications and ranges from about $50,000 to $57,000 and the position is benefit eligible.
Learn more about our benefit options at https://www.boisestate.edu/hrs/benefits/.
Required Application Materials:
Please submit a letter of application indicating your interest in and summary of qualifications for this position. In addition, attach a curriculum vitae that includes three professional references with contact information.
Advertised: November 19, 2021 Mountain Standard Time
Applications close: