Fellow (Post Doc)

This Fellow (Post Doc) position will enhance a DOE-BES-funded research project aimed at understanding solvent phase separation within nanopores and its impacts on solute diffusion for the development of innovative water purification membranes.

  • 521524
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Chemistry
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: May 31 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

A Fellow (Post-Doc) position is available in the Department of Chemistry at Kansas State University. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Chemistry or related fields at the time of appointment. They will be involved either in the measurements of solvent structures within nanoporous materials using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) with model-based analysis or in molecular transport measurements using single-molecule tracking (SMT). In addition, they will evaluate solvent phase separation using other spectroscopic methods such as spectroscopic ellipsometry and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. This is an opportunity to participate in DOE-BES-funded collaborative project with Prof. Higgins (KSU).

About Us

The Fellow (Post-Doc) can gain skills required to conduct cutting-edge research in physical, materials, and analytical chemistry. For information about our laboratory, please visit: http://www.k-state.edu/chem/people/grad-faculty/ito/lab/index.html. For more information about our research, please visit http://www.k-state.edu/chem/people/grad-faculty/ito/index.html.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D in Chemistry and related fields
  • Experimental research in physical, materials, and analytical chemistry, specifically either small-angle X-ray scattering (measurements and model-based analysis) for nanomaterial characterization or single molecule/particle tracking (instrumentation, measurements, and data analysis) for molecular transport dynamics measurements
    The degree requirement is necessary to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • In situ measurements using laser-based fluorescence microscopic techniques such as fluorescence correlation spectroscopy or spectroscopic techniques such as spectroscopic ellipsometry

Sponsorship eligibility:

This position is eligible for sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • A letter of interest (cover letter), which should concisely summarize prior research achievements related to the requirement
  • Current Curriculum Vitae
  • Names and contact information for three (3) references

Interested candidates must send a letter of interest, which should concisely summarize their prior research experience and achievements involving SAXS or SMT, and curriculum vitae, and also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to Dr. Takashi Ito, Department of Chemistry, 213 CBC building, Kansas State University, Manhattan KS 66506-0401; E-mail: ito@ksu.edu.

Application Window

Applications close on: May 31, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$50,000-$54,000/annually

 

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship: 

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.