POSITION SUMMARY

The Zheng Lab in the Department of Chemistry at WashU in St. Louis is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate, with availability starting in August 2025.
The candidate will engage in the high-throughput synthesis, characterization, and analysis of porous materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for energy and sustainability applications. This project integrates robotic automation, microwave synthesis, solvothermal synthesis, organic synthesis of linkers, crystallization, and detailed material characterization.
Lab members will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers in Chemistry, Materials Science, Data Science, and Chemical Engineering. We prioritize career and professional development for postdoctoral researchers. In addition to one-on-one mentorship, further resources and support are available through the Center for Career Engagement, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and Center for Teaching and Learning.

EDUCATION:

Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

SKILLS:

Not Applicable

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates with strong proficiency in collecting and interpreting wet-lab synthesis data are encouraged to apply and will have opportunities to explore machine learning-guided approaches in chemistry.
In addition to excellent research skills, we are seeking an applicant who prioritizes providing proactive mentorship to students, honing communication skills, and working in an interdisciplinary environment.

EDUCATION:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

SKILLS:

Not Applicable

Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including (but not limited to):

• Develop synthesis procedures for the formation of porous materials and their organic linkers.
• Characterize structure and physical properties of materials and determine structure-property relationships with x-ray diffraction and gas sorption analysis.
• Contribute to the mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students in the lab, modeling ethical and safe research practices.
• Publish peer-reviewed journal articles and present work at conferences.