Post Doc Research Scientist - Chemistry

The University of Wyoming is delighted to receive your interest in our vacant position!  We strive to connect with qualified and uniquely talented individuals to join our campus community.  We would love to hear how your experiences translate to this position, the University’s Mission, Vision, and Values, and encourage you to submit an application today! 

JOB TITLE:                       

Post Doctoral Research Scientist

JOB PURPOSE:

The Design of Inorganic Materials Lab, in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wyoming, led by Prof. de Sousa Oliveira is accepting applications for a postdoctoral researcher or research assistant with experience in modeling polaron transport. Candidates with a PhD and no previous experience will be hired as postdoctoral researchers. Candidates with additional experience will be hired at the research assistant rank. Research assistants will be expected to conduct research at a higher level of independence and contribute significantly to the development of the project.

Band conduction is the typical mode of conduction for inorganic materials. However, in polar and ionic solids, local lattice distortions can lead to (localized) polaron conduction. We aim to investigate if polaron hopping is a suitable conduction mechanism for thermoelectricity in MOFs. This work is supported by the Department of Energy through an Early Career Research Program Award.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Publish in peer reviewed journals.
• Present results at nationally and internationally recognized conferences. 
• Create, share, and archive reproducible and robust code. 
• Participate in group activities and outreach.
• Collaborate with other researchers.
• Contribute to writing proposals. 

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: 

This position provides vital support to campus customers and requires the successful candidate be available to work on campus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• A PhD in theoretical/computational Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or related disciplines. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• A strong background in density functional theory, especially in electronic structure calculations.
• Experience modeling polaron transport.
• Experience modeling electron-phonon coupling.
• Good programming skills (knowledge of Python preferred).
• Basic knowledge of machine learning.
• Proficient oral and written English communication skills. 
• Highly driven and self-motivated individuals.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:  

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 05/20/2025 will receive full consideration. Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. Please check the PI’s website at www.de-sousa-oliveira.xyz. If the position is no longer advertised, it means it has been filled.

For further information, please contact Prof. de Sousa Oliveira at ldesousa@uwyo.edu. 

Applications must include: 

• Cover letter, including a brief summary of past research accomplishments explaining why applicants are qualified for and are interested in this position, and a description of future research interests. 
• CV, including scientific achievements, list of publications, coding skills, and contacts for at least 4 references.
• Academic diplomas in English.
• PhD transcript

Letters of recommendation may be confidentially requested for candidates under consideration. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for a virtual interview. 

HIRING STATEMENT:  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-766-2377 or email jobapps@uwyo.edu. 

ABOUT LARAMIE:

In the Design of Inorganic Materials Lab, we leverage computational tools and strategies to investigate fundamental chemical and physical processes to advance scientific knowledge, improve existing technologies, and design the next generation of (smart) materials. We strive for academic excellence and to foster a thriving intellectual and supportive environment. At the University of Wyoming, we have access to outstanding computational resources and facilities, including the NCAR Wyoming Supercomputer (NWSC). 

Find more about our group at: https://de-sousa-oliveira.xyz/

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research and outreach. The university has state-of-the-art facilities in many areas and the community provides the advantages of a major university.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range, a bustling group of metropolitan cities including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/