Postdoctoral Research Scholar 0-5 yrs Experience at San Diego State University Research Foundation – San Diego, California

San Diego State University Research Foundation
Postdoctoral Research Scholar 0-5 yrs Experience

US-CA-San Diego

Job ID: 2026-20207
Type: Post Doc
# of Openings: 1
Category: Research/Project
Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CSL)

Overview

The salary for this position is $5858.67 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

The primary function of the unit is to (1) design and synthesize advanced semiconductor nanomaterials, particularly perovskite nanocrystals, (2) investigate their photophysical and charge-transfer properties, and (3) apply these materials to enable novel and efficient photocatalytic transformations, with particular research directions include asymmetric photocatalysis using chiral perovskite systems, dual catalytic strategies combining photoredox and transition metal catalysis, and mechanistic studies to understand catalyst–substrate interactions at the nanoscale.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Postdoctoral Research Scholar is expected to be highly collaborative and goal oriented. The individual will conduct experimental research under the guidance of Dr. Yan, and will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data for dissemination in reports and peer-reviewed publications

Responsibilities

Research 90%

• Design and Execute Research Projects
  Plan and carry out experimental studies in photocatalytic organic synthesis, including reaction development, optimization, and substrate scope exploration.
• Catalyst Development and Characterization
  Synthesize and modify photocatalysts (e.g., perovskite nanocrystals), and perform structural, photophysical, and chemical characterization using appropriate techniques.
• Data Analysis and Mechanistic Investigation
  Analyze experimental data, interpret reaction outcomes, and conduct mechanistic studies to understand catalytic pathways and improve reaction performance.
• Scholarly Communication and Publication
  Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, present research findings at conferences, and contribute to reports and grant-related documentation.
• Mentorship and Laboratory Collaboration
  Mentor undergraduate students, maintain a collaborative research environment, and contribute to overall lab organization and safety compliance.

Other Duties as Assigned 10%

• Plan and schedule the necessary lab experiments, including ordering needed supplies.
• Interact with members of the research team in a professional and collaborative manner.
• Participate actively in lab meetings.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience:

• Doctoral degree or equivalent in an appropriate field.

Knowledge and Abilities Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of photoredox organic reactions, including reaction design and optimization under visible-light conditions.
• Expertise in photocatalyst design and development, particularly semiconductor-based systems (e.g., perovskite nanocrystals).
• Strong understanding of organic reaction mechanisms, with the ability to analyze and interpret catalytic pathways and reaction outcomes.
• Research experience in photocatalytic organic synthesis.
• Knowledge of best practices in laboratory safety and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in scientific data documentation, record keeping, and reporting.

Project-Specific Knowledge and Abilities

• Asymmetric reaction preferred
• Experience with standard statistical analysis of scientific data.
• Demonstrated ability in scientific data documentation and reporting.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS

• Ph.D in chemistry with a focus on photocatalytic reaction development or related areas.
• Proficiency in analytical and purification techniques, including NMR spectroscopy, HPLC, chiral HPLC and column chromatography.
• Experience in photocatalyst design and development, particularly for photoredox applications.
• Knowledge of asymmetric organic reaction mechanisms.
• Demonstrated track record of scientific writing and publication in peer-reviewed chemistry journals.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.