Postdoctoral Scholar in Advanced Crystallography

Position Description

Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Advanced Crystallography
NSF’s ChemMatCARS, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago

About this Unit:

NSF’s ChemMatCARS, affiliated with the Pritzker School of Molecular
Engineering (PME), the University of Chicago and funded by NSF, is a national
user facility for frontier research in chemistry and materials science using
synchrotron x-rays. It is located at the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne
National Laboratory. The mission of
ChemMatCARS is to develop and operate world-class synchrotron x-ray facilities
in the areas of small-molecule crystallography, liquid interface scattering,
and anomalous small and wide-angle scattering to serve the needs of ChemMatCARS
users.

Job Summary:

NSF’s ChemMatCARS, located at Sector 15 of the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), and the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (https://chemmatcars.uchicago.edu/) invite applications for a motivated postdoctoral researcher in advanced crystallography. This position involves conducting experimental research using state-of-the-art crystallography instruments at ChemMatCARS.
The successful candidate will have access to world-class facilities at the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory. Recent upgrades to the APS and ChemMatCARS provide a more brilliant X-ray beam and enable new capabilities in crystallography, including Small Molecule Serial Crystallography, Diffraction Anomalous Fine Structure (DAFS) below 5 keV, and Quantum Crystallography. The postdoctoral scholar will have the opportunity to utilize and help develop these capabilities. ChemMatCARS specializes in characterizing molecular confirmation, element’s oxidation state in the molecule crystal/DAFS, H-bonding/Quantum Crystallography with relevance to chemistry, materials science, biology, and chemical engineering. The successful applicant must satisfy the requirements for access to Argonne National Laboratory.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop an independent scientific project in advanced crystallography under the guidance of Dr. Yu-Sheng Chen.
• Conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop necessary analysis tools.
• Present research findings through peer-reviewed publications and at conferences and workshops.
• Assist scientific staff in developing new experimental capabilities in advanced crystallography.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in material science, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related field with experience in diffraction experiments.

Required Skills

• Strong experimental skills and initiative to develop new experiments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively while pursuing an individual research project.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with synchrotron-based diffraction techniques.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Matlab, C++, or Fortran for data analysis and tool development.

Project Duration

• Start date: As soon as possible.
• Initial appointment: Two years, with the possibility of one-year extension.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply by January 5th, 2026, by sending the following to Dr. Yu-Sheng Chen (yushengchen@uchicago.edu):

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of research interests
• Three recommendation letters

NSF’s ChemMatCARS, funded by the National Science Foundation, serves as a National User Facility providing experimental infrastructure to investigate dynamic and structural properties relevant to chemical, materials, and physical sciences (https://chemmatcars.uchicago.edu).

Additional information on benefits and postdoctoral positions at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering can be found at: https://pme.uchicago.edu/academics/postdoctoral-researchers. ;

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University's Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity. ;

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination: https://www.uchicago.edu/non-discrimination. ;

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.