Rice University
Postdoctoral Associate - Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246
Position Summary
A postdoctoral research opportunity is available in the research group of Dr. Stavroula Alina Kampouri at Rice University. The successful candidate will lead cutting-edge efforts in the design, synthesis, and characterization of multifunctional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for solar-driven chemical transformations. These materials will be engineered to integrate semiconductive, redox-active, and CO2-binding functionalities to advance applications in sustainable energy conversion and carbon management. The role involves designing light-responsive organic linkers, constructing MOF-based catalysts, and probing charge-transfer dynamics using a suite of spectroscopic and electrochemical tools. This is a collaborative and interdisciplinary project, offering opportunities to engage with researchers across chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering. Workplace Requirements
This is an on-site position, requiring all responsibilities to be carried out in person at Rice University Campus. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. Hiring Range
$48,000 – 50,000 *Exempt (salaried) positions under the FLSA are not eligible for overtime. This position is a benefits eligible, full-time position funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. This is a one-year, term limited position with the option to renewal dependent upon satisfactory performance and availability of continued funding. Minimum Requirements
Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science No experience required Skills
Proficiency in inorganic/solid-state synthesis, including development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) or coordination polymers Experience in organic synthesis is recommended, particularly in the design and synthesis of redox-active or conjugated ligands Familiarity with spectroscopic and other characterization techniques such as UV–vis, photoluminescence, IR, NMR spectroscopies, PXRD, BET, XPS, and electron microscopy Experience with light-driven catalytic systems and/or electrochemical analysis (e.g., GC-FID, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical workstation) Strong experimental design skills, including optimization of material synthesis Experience conducting catalytic experiments, including batch or flow photoreactor studies; background in reactor engineering or reaction optimization is recommended Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment Strong time management, documentation, and organizational skills Preferences
Background in inorganic, physical, or materials chemistry Prior experience with redox-active or conjugated ligand design Familiarity with the synthesis and characterization of MOFs Experience with photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, or light-driven chemical conversions Experience with reactor engineering, particularly batch or flow photoreactor design and optimization Essential Functions
Lead the design and synthesis of redox-active organic linkers and their integration into crystalline MOF lattices Characterize photophysical and electronic properties of materials using spectroscopic (UV-Vis, PL), electrochemical (CV, conductivity measurements), and structural (PXRD, BET, SEM, XPS) techniques Conduct photocatalytic experiments for CO2 reduction and related light-driven conversions Contribute to the development of multifunctional MOFs that combine gas adsorption, light absorption, and catalytic activity Analyze structure–property–performance relationships to guide material optimization Prepare manuscripts, presentations, and contribute to grant proposal development Collaborate with graduate students and external partners across disciplines, including chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering Perform all other duties as assigned Additional information
This position will remain open through November 30, 2025, or until a suitable candidate is identified. Review of applications will begin immediately. Rice University HR | Benefits: Benefits overview information is available on Rice University resources. Rice Mission and Values: Rice University information on Mission and Values. Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center for support. If you have any questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
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A postdoctoral research opportunity is available in the research group of Dr. Stavroula Alina Kampouri at Rice University. The successful candidate will lead cutting-edge efforts in the design, synthesis, and characterization of multifunctional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for solar-driven chemical transformations. These materials will be engineered to integrate semiconductive, redox-active, and CO2-binding functionalities to advance applications in sustainable energy conversion and carbon management. The role involves designing light-responsive organic linkers, constructing MOF-based catalysts, and probing charge-transfer dynamics using a suite of spectroscopic and electrochemical tools. This is a collaborative and interdisciplinary project, offering opportunities to engage with researchers across chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering. Workplace Requirements
This is an on-site position, requiring all responsibilities to be carried out in person at Rice University Campus. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. Hiring Range
$48,000 – 50,000 *Exempt (salaried) positions under the FLSA are not eligible for overtime. This position is a benefits eligible, full-time position funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. This is a one-year, term limited position with the option to renewal dependent upon satisfactory performance and availability of continued funding. Minimum Requirements
Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science No experience required Skills
Proficiency in inorganic/solid-state synthesis, including development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) or coordination polymers Experience in organic synthesis is recommended, particularly in the design and synthesis of redox-active or conjugated ligands Familiarity with spectroscopic and other characterization techniques such as UV–vis, photoluminescence, IR, NMR spectroscopies, PXRD, BET, XPS, and electron microscopy Experience with light-driven catalytic systems and/or electrochemical analysis (e.g., GC-FID, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical workstation) Strong experimental design skills, including optimization of material synthesis Experience conducting catalytic experiments, including batch or flow photoreactor studies; background in reactor engineering or reaction optimization is recommended Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment Strong time management, documentation, and organizational skills Preferences
Background in inorganic, physical, or materials chemistry Prior experience with redox-active or conjugated ligand design Familiarity with the synthesis and characterization of MOFs Experience with photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, or light-driven chemical conversions Experience with reactor engineering, particularly batch or flow photoreactor design and optimization Essential Functions
Lead the design and synthesis of redox-active organic linkers and their integration into crystalline MOF lattices Characterize photophysical and electronic properties of materials using spectroscopic (UV-Vis, PL), electrochemical (CV, conductivity measurements), and structural (PXRD, BET, SEM, XPS) techniques Conduct photocatalytic experiments for CO2 reduction and related light-driven conversions Contribute to the development of multifunctional MOFs that combine gas adsorption, light absorption, and catalytic activity Analyze structure–property–performance relationships to guide material optimization Prepare manuscripts, presentations, and contribute to grant proposal development Collaborate with graduate students and external partners across disciplines, including chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering Perform all other duties as assigned Additional information
This position will remain open through November 30, 2025, or until a suitable candidate is identified. Review of applications will begin immediately. Rice University HR | Benefits: Benefits overview information is available on Rice University resources. Rice Mission and Values: Rice University information on Mission and Values. Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center for support. If you have any questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
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