Post-Doctoral Associate

Job Summary

The postdoctoral associate will be responsible for designing and
developing new catalysts, testing new reactions, optimizing
conditions to improve yields, exploring substrate scope, and
investigating reaction mechanisms. Additional responsibilities
include writing manuscripts, mentoring junior graduate and
undergraduate students, and collaborating both within the group and
with external partners.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all
applicable federal, state, and local laws governing
nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a
workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and
dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to
apply, including protected veterans and individuals with
disabilities.

Who We Are

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder
is proud to be a vibrant, research-driven department dedicated to
exploring the fundamental nature of matter and energy. Our faculty,
students, and staff are engaged in groundbreaking work across a
wide range of fields—from analytical, organic, and physical
chemistry to materials and nanoscience. Nationally recognized and
consistently ranked among the top programs in the country, our
department is home to award-winning researchers, innovative
educators, and a collaborative spirit that drives discovery. To
learn more about our department and our team please visit our
website: https://www.colorado.edu/chemistry/

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Design and conduct original research in synthetic organic

chemistry and catalysis, with an emphasis on new catalysis, new
reaction development, and selective bond activation and
functionalization.

• Develop and synthesize catalysts and substrates; optimize

reaction conditions; evaluate substrate scope; and investigate
reaction mechanisms through carefully designed experiments.

• Analyze and interpret experimental results, maintain accurate

and reproducible research records, and prepare manuscripts,
supporting information, and research presentations.

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers in experimental

design, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and safe laboratory
practices.

• Contribute to group discussions and collaborative projects,

help maintain laboratory equipment, and follow laboratory safety
procedures.

What You Should Know

• This is a full-time (40 hours per week), in-person research

position in the Yu Group at the University of Colorado
Boulder.

• Experimental schedules and any conference or collaborator

travel will be coordinated with the supervisor according to project
needs.

• The successful candidate will complete applicable laboratory

safety training and follow university and group procedures for
handling chemicals and operating laboratory equipment.

What We Can Offer

• Salary: $52,416 annually
• Beyond the pay, CU Boulder employees enjoy robust perks

including tuition benefits, wellness programs, free transit passes,
professional development, and generous retirement and healthcare
support.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are
committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our
employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical,
dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition
assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local
transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder
offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class
outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of
Forbes' America's Best
Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado
and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and
programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A Ph.D. in chemistry or a closely related field, completed by

the appointment start date.

• Research experience in synthetic organic chemistry,

organometallic chemistry, or a related area, including hands-on
experience in reaction development, chemical synthesis,
purification, and compound characterization.

• A record of original research contributions demonstrated

through peer-reviewed publications, a doctoral dissertation, or
other substantive research outputs.

What You Will Need

• Strong motivation to pursue challenging scientific questions,

take ownership of research projects, and develop new ideas.

• The ability to work independently, design informative

experiments, troubleshoot unsuccessful reactions, and adapt
research plans based on evidence.

• Strong organizational skills, careful documentation, and a

commitment to research integrity, reproducibility, and laboratory
safety.

• Effective scientific writing and oral communication skills,

together with the ability to collaborate constructively and mentor
junior researchers.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Experience in at least one area relevant to the group:

main-group chemistry, organometallic catalysis, photochemistry,
electrochemistry, C-H functionalization, or C-C bond activation.
·

• Experience using mechanistic experiments to guide the

development or improvement of synthetic reactions.

• Evidence of substantial intellectual and experimental

contributions to research projects, such as first-author
publications or clearly documented project leadership.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials as
PDFs.

• Resume or CV
• Cover letter

If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified
by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an
approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the
United States, please submit a translated version as an optional
attachment.

During the application process you will need to enter contact
information for a reference who may be contacted to provide
a letter of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as
the search progresses.

For full consideration, please apply by November 2, 2026. The
position will remain posted until filled.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For
consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in
any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying
information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school
attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting
or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu