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Boise State University is building an inclusive community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, cultural contributions, work history, and perspectives create a rich and rewarding academic experience for our students. Research demonstrates that people thrive when they feel welcome, respected, and inspired. We seek applicants who are committed to helping us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Applications from members of historically marginalized groups, including women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged.

The Boise State Quantum DNA (qDNA) Research Group and Dye Synthesis Team is seeking candidates for a Postdoctoral Fellow position to synthesize novel organic dye molecules to create DNA-templated dye aggregate systems exhibiting exciton delocalization. The candidate will join the qDNA Group, an active team of scientists and engineers in the Micron School of Materials Science & Engineering (MSMSE) at Boise State University .

The MSMSE is part of a vibrant College of Engineering (COEN) at Boise State. The College offers a variety of accredited programs and enjoys a high level of support from the local high-tech industry in Idaho and the Intermountain West. The MSMSE program is ABET-accredited and one of the fastest-growing Materials Science & Engineering programs in the U.S., offering B.S., M.S., M.Engr., and Ph.D. degrees. With over 50 doctoral students, it is the largest engineering Ph.D. program in the state. A recent $ Micron Foundation gift of $25M seeded the construction of the world-class Micron Center for Materials Research building, including a state-of-the-art, multi-lab DNA nanotechnology facility.

Boise State University is the largest university in Idaho, with an enrollment of over 25,000 students. Boise State is located in Idaho’s capital city and largest metropolitan area, serving as the state's government, business, high-tech, economic, and cultural center. Located along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and ranked 20th on Forbes’ 2017 list of the best cities for young professionals , Boise provides a vibrant downtown with unlimited cultural and recreational opportunities ranging from art and dining to world-class whitewater, skiing, mountain biking, road cycling, running, hiking, climbing, fishing, and camping.

After earning a Ph.D., the next step in the academic or research career path is often a postdoc. A postdoc is a continuation of a researcher’s training that enables them to further their professional development and start to transition from student to independent researcher. Postdocs also often take additional leadership or teaching responsibilities in their laboratory or department. These positions are usually two to three years and it is not unusual for a researcher to do more than one postdoc.

The Postdoctoral Fellow’s primary research will focus on multistep organic synthesis of novel dye molecules and assembling their aggregates via DNA templating. The Postdoctoral Fellow will be a member of the qDNA group’s Dye Synthesis team led by Dr. Olga Mass. The Postdoctoral Fellow will also benefit from the mentorship of Distinguished Research Fellow Dr. Bernard Yurke (formerly of Bell Labs and considered one of the founders of the field of dynamic DNA nanotechnology) and the group’s Principal Investigator, Prof. Bill Knowlton. The Postdoctoral Fellow will be part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers, physicists, spectroscopists, and chemists with expertise in various experimental methods and computational approaches. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow is expected to function with limited oversight and be able to contribute to solving difficult scientific problems that may involve specific research projects for which the position is the lead. They also are expected to function within an overall management structure that reflects being a member of a large research group. 

The approximate expected division of labor is 70% conducting and disseminating research, 25% contributing to proposal writing, reporting activities, and mentoring, and 5% performing other duties as assigned. The Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to be an active and supportive member of the qDNA group, maintaining a high level of communication with its members, publishing results promptly, and presenting annually at one or more professional conferences (travel funding is available).

The specific projects that the Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be responsible for leading, developing, and managing are part of a broader set of sponsored project, Phase III renewal Department of Energy grant, awarded to the Quantum DNA (qDNA) research group. The current duration of the position is two years based on performance, with the possibility to be extended based on future funding and continued performance.

Basic

• The selected candidate must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data.
• A critical eye toward consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general.
• Excellent project and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills.

Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in chemical/biochemical/physical science, or materials.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference is given for a Ph.D. with an emphasis on organic synthetic chemistry.
• At least 4 years of synthetic organic chemistry lab experience.
• Demonstrated experience in multistep organic synthesis and modern organic synthesis methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience in modern methods of isolation and purification of small organic molecules such as chromatography, distillation, and recrystallization.
• Expertise in assessing purity and identity of small organic molecules and chromophores (i.e., organic dyes) using a combination of various spectroscopic techniques: NMR, MS, and UV-vis. 
• Basic knowledge of DNA biochemistry and DNA nanotechnology.
• Practical knowledge of solid-phase synthesis.
• Ability to design and improve synthetic routes and experiments by interpreting experimental data and performing literature search.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills, as exemplified by a strong publication record

Offered annual salary depends on experience and qualifications and ranges from about $52,000 to $60,000, and the position is benefit-eligible. Boise State University is committed to offering a benefits package that provides health and financial protection plans as well as resources to promote health and well-being. Our program provides flexibility so you can choose the benefits that are right for you and your family. Learn more about our benefit options at https://www.boisestate.edu/hrs/benefits/ .

Please submit a cover letter indicating your interest in and a summary of your qualifications for this position. In addition, submit a curriculum vitae that includes three professional references with contact information.