Postdoctoral Fellow/Synthetic Chemist; Chemistry Zaleski Lab

Posting Details

Position Details

Title

Postdoctoral Fellow/Synthetic Chemist; Chemistry Zaleski Lab

Appointment Status

Non-Tenure Track

Department

IU Bloomington Chemistry

Location

Bloomington

Position Summary

Department Information:

The Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts + Sciences at
Indiana University, consists of a well-rounded research community
with cutting-edge expertise in a wide variety of modern disciplines
including analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic
chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, and
biochemistry.

Job Summary:

The Zaleski Lab in the Department of Chemistry at Indiana
University is accepting applications for a postdoctoral research
position. The position involves the design and synthesis of hybrid
molecular and nanomaterial catalysts (see here for recent work:
Accts. Chem. Res. 2019, 52, 1957;
Chem. Sci. 2025, 16, 255. The desired
start date is February 1, 2027, although this is flexible
in-order-to accommodate the needs of outstanding candidates.

The successful applicant will use a deep understanding of synthetic
inorganic and organic ligand chemistry, as well as molecule
preparation and purification to achieve research goals.
Nanomaterial and catalysis experience is a plus but not required.
Motivated applicants with a Ph.D. in any area of synthetic
chemistry will be considered. A candidate with a strong background
in solution-phase synthetic preparations and characterizations, as
well as familiarity manipulating air- and moisture-sensitive
chemicals, is ideally suited for the project. We seek to employ
someone with demonstrable experience in chemical purification and
characterization of starting materials and reaction products by
standard techniques ( NMR, EPR, IR, Mass spectrometry, X-ray
diffraction, TEM, and DFT calculations also desirable).

The Zaleski Lab is a dynamic multidisciplinary laboratory
environment. The successful applicant will play an integral role
within our growing team and will emerge with a skill set that is
equally relevant to academia and industry. Trainees receive regular
guidance and feedback to ensure progress is made toward their
career goals, whatever those may be. Trainees are also afforded the
scheduling flexibility needed to maintain an appropriate work life
balance and a safe laboratory environment.

Responsibilities:

1. Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This
involves small scale project management and coordinating multiple
aspects of work to meet deadlines.

2. Train graduate and undergraduate students in research
methods

3. Adapt existing, and develop new, scientific techniques and
experimental protocols to achieve research objectives.

4. Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory
environment.

5. Assist in maintaining a research laboratory (e.g. setting up
Schlenk lines, ordering equipment etc.)

6. Contribute ideas for new research projects.

7. Undertake comprehensive and systematic literature reviews and
write up the results for publication in peer-reviewed
journals.

8. Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal
articles and occasionally present papers and posters.

9. Act as a source of information and advice to other members of
the group on scientific protocols and experimental
techniques.

10. Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars,
either with other members of the group or alone.

11. Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner
institutions, and research groups.

Basic Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with inorganic and organic ligand synthesis and relevant
analytical techniques ( NMR, EPR, SXRD, mass- spectrometry etc.) is
essential. The preferred candidate will have a deep understanding
of organic and/or inorganic synthesis.

Department Contact for Questions

Department Contact for Questions:

Questions regarding the position or application process can be
directed to: Prof. Jeff Zaleski, Department of Chemistry, Indiana
University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405,
zaleski@iu.edu.

Salary and Rank:

$52,000/year, Postdoctoral Fellow

Special Instructions:

The initial appointment for this position will be for 12 months.
Additional 12-month extension will be available based on
performance. A competitive salary along with a benefits package
will be offered.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact
information for three references to https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/34698
. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.

"Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative
action employer and a provider of ADA services and prohibits
discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of
Non-Discrimination here which includes contact
information.

Additional Qualifications

Salary and Rank

Special Instructions

For Best Consideration Date

12/15/2026

Expected Start Date

02/01/2027

Posting Number

IU-101745-2026