Postdoctoral Scholar: X-ray Scattering Studies of Liquid Interface Science and/or Biomembranes

Role details

Position Description Postdoctoral Research Scholar: X-ray Scattering Studies of Liquid Interface Science and/or Biomembranes at NSF’s ChemMatCARS, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering 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

The successful candidate will have access to world-class facilities at the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Argonne National Laboratory. The APS and ChemMatCARS Advanced Photon Source have undergone major upgrades which are nearing completion. As a result, the X-ray beam is more brilliant and ChemMatCARS will have new capabilities for studying liquid interfacial science, including absorption spectroscopy, biomembranes, and heterogeneities. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to utilize and assist in the development of these new capabilities.

NSF’s ChemMatCARS specializes in measuring molecular ordering and element-specific coordination of molecular interfacial structures relevant to diverse fields such as chemistry, material sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry, and chemical engineering. Primary Responsibilities Develop a scientific project in liquid surfaces and interface with guidance from Mark Schlossman and Wei Bu. Measure and analyze data, developing necessary analysis tools. Present research findings through manuscripts in journals and presentations at workshops and conferences. Assist scientific staff in developing new capabilities in liquid interface experiments.

Qualifications Applicants should have or be about to obtain a recent Ph.D. in experimental studies of soft or condensed matter physics, physical chemistry, chemical engineering or a closely related field. 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 liquid interfacial science. Experience with synchrotron X-ray scattering or Neutron scattering, including studies of liquid interfaces or biomembranes.

Proficiency in using and developing data analysis tools using programming languages such as Python, Matlab, C++, or Fortran. Project Duration The expected starting date of the position is October 1, 2026 The position will be offered for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension. Application Process Interested applicants are encouraged to apply by sending the following documents to Dr. Wei Bu ( weibu@uchicago.edu ) and Dr. Binhua Lin ( blin@uchicago.edu ) of the University of Chicago and Prof.

Mark Schlossman ( schloss@uic.edu ) of the University of Illinois Chicago: 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’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. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-1032 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.

Department: Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering Application deadline: 2026/09/03 Position type: Postdoctoral