Postdoctoral Research Associate

Lafayette College Easton, PA Full-time Research

Posted on April 14, 2024

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Postdoctoral Research Associate
Lafayette College: Human Resources: Staff Positions: Provost

Location: Easton, PA
Open Date: Jul 31, 2023

Description
The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Lafayette College invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work with Professor Melissa Gordon on an NSF-funded CAREER project in the area of stimuli-responsive polymers. The goals of the funded project are to develop gas- and force-responsive polymer networks, and to examine the structure-property relationships that underlie activation in polymer networks. This project aims to advance research towards developing materials offering enhanced safety, longer lifespan, and reduced environmental impact.

In addition to collaborating on this project, the Postdoctoral Research Associate will have the opportunity participate in departmental and divisional professional development workshops and seminars. Additionally, they will also be encouraged to attend programming organized on campus by the Center for the Integration of Teaching, Learning and Scholarship (CITLS). They will also have the opportunity to present at national conferences. The postdoctoral mentoring plan submitted as part of the funded grant will be shared and tailored to their unique interests and professional goals.

Responsibilities:

Design and execute experiments in conjunction with undergraduate researchers, record experimental details, analyze and interpret data, and present findings in oral and written formats

Mentor undergraduate researchers, modeling safe lab practices and integrity in research

Participate in individual and group meetings

Teach a guest lecture in an undergraduate materials science course on their research

Support a collaborative, productive, and inclusive learning environment

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
• Ph.D. in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry or a related discipline. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in polymer synthesis and characterization.

• Interest in working with and mentoring undergraduate researchers. Preference will be given to candidates who foresee mentoring undergraduates in research as an integral part of their future career, especially those considering a faculty career at a primarily undergraduate institution.

• Basic laboratory skills and research experience (safe lab practices, recording and analyzing data, careful use of instrumentation, and a commitment to honesty and research integrity).

• Ability to work effectively on a diverse team within a collaborative, supportive environment.

Application Instructions
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. The position is immediately available though there is flexibility in the start date. This is a grant-funded position for one year with the potential to extend for an additional year.

To apply, please submit the materials listed below:

• A current CV

• A statement of career goals, research interests, relevant prior experiences, and how this opportunity may positively impact you (3 pages max)

• 1-2 letters of recommendation, one of which would ideally come from a research advisor

Questions? Email Melissa Gordon, Associate Professor, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (gordonm@lafayette.edu)

For more information and to apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/129233

Lafayette College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, religion, age, military or veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law in its educational programs and activities, admissions, or employment as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 (which requires that the College not discriminate on the basis of sex); the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (which requires that the College not discriminate on the basis of disability); Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (which requires that the College not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin); and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (which requires that the College not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin); and other applicable laws and College policies.

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