Metropolitan State University of Denver hiring Department of Energy - RENEW Grant Postdoctoral Fellowship in Denver, CO | LinkedIn (2024)

Position SummaryMetropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for two full-time postdoctoral fellows to work with Drs. Megan Lazorski and Shailesh Ambre in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Drs. Gish, Mulder, and Braunecker at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). These postdoctoral fellows will be housed under the "Wilton Flemon Postdoctoral Teaching Fellowship" program at MSU Denver while serving as teacher-researchers on a project titled, “A New “Spin” on Designing First Row Transition Metal Photosensitizers” funded by the Department of Energy - REaching a New Energy Sciences Workforce (RENEW) grant. This project expands the energy sciences frontier in two critical dimensions: (1) probing the use of spin selectivity to extend the lifetime of photosensitizers based on manganese - a cheap, earth-abundant first-row transition metal (FRTM), and (2) increasing the representation of historically underrepresented and minoritized (URM) groups in STEM. Toward both goals, resources from MSU Denver and NREL are combined to synthesize manganese complexes with systematic structural and Lewis acid changes and subsequently analyze the photoexcited energy pathways, molecular dipolar characteristics, and electronic spin-states. These postdoctoral fellows will join the project PIs to create scaffolded mentor-researcher teams focused on synthesis, spectroscopy, microwave, and spin-related research techniques. Our goal for these positions is to prepare the postdoctoral fellows for the next phase of their careers by providing unique, comprehensive opportunities for research, teaching, and multi-tiered mentorship interactions.

Metropolitan State University of Denver and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry are committed to active and strategic initiatives in our work toward educational equity and promoting a culture of access and inclusion, for our students, staff, and faculty. We seek to sustain an inclusive community where all individuals at MSU Denver and in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry are respected, feel a sense of belonging and are provided proper resources and skillsets to be successful. This success is not limited to our liberal arts and sciences-focused education, but also to the broader development of our students as engaged citizens and valued contributors to their discipline, the community, and our society. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).

MSU Denver enrolls over 17,000 students, where nearly 60% are first generation and over 55% are students of color. Located in downtown Denver, we are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), an INSIGHT into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award winner for 10 consecutive years, and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado. As the third largest institution of higher education in Colorado and the only institution with an open access mission, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s college students. The University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals students. .

MSU Denver is particularly interested in applicants who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for underrepresented and historically minoritized groups. Accordingly, we seek to hire two enthusiastic individuals to work on this project beginning June 1st, 2024 (preferred) or August 1st, 2024. This postdoctoral fellowship is a two-year position with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. Applicants should note that due to the nature of the contract for this position, the university is unable to sponsor permanent visas for international applicants.ResponsibilitiesThis is a research-focused postdoctoral fellowship with teaching and mentorship components. Therefore, applicants will be required to engage in the following activities:

• Drive research efforts related to the RENEW grant by performing experimental and analysis work
• Teach up to a maximum of one laboratory course plus associated Tier 2 mentorship course OR one lecture course per semester (the latter option applies in the second year only).
• Contribute to the supervision and training of postbaccalaureate and undergraduate research students
• Submit manuscripts based on the RENEW research to peer-reviewed scientific publications throughout the program. One manuscript should be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal before exiting the program
• Complete a curated set of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and justice trainings such as the SACNAS Postdoc Leadership Institute
• Prepare a teaching portfolio for annual evaluation
• Service is not required, but the fellows can choose to engage in departmental service during their second year of the program

This position will coordinate with project PIs, lecture instructors, the department chair, and the lab manager (when applicable) to ensure curriculum and laboratory safety requirements meet the highest standards. Required QualificationsEach candidate must have completed the requirements for a Ph.D./Terminal Graduate degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field before starting employment (candidates cannot be ABD at the time of employment). If the applicant’s Ph.D. is in progress, the thesis advisor must provide a letter of support attesting that the applicant will complete their Ph.D. before the fellowship start date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with faculty and students
• Familiarity with using educational technology (such as Canvas or other learning management systems, presentation software, Microsoft Excel)
• The ideal candidate for this fellowship is primarily focused on gaining additional research experience while efficiently expanding their capabilities as an educator. The fellow should have research experience in air-free organic or inorganic solution-phases synthesis and/or one or more of the following areas: steady state or transient spectroscopic techniques, electrochemistry, spectroelectrochemistry, microwave spectroscopy techniques, and electron-paramagnetic spectroscopic techniques. While computational methods are less emphasized, highly qualified candidates with extensive experience in computational methods related to investigating excited state dynamics in transition metal complexes will be considered.

Any interested applicants who meet eligibility will be considered without regard to race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or identity, religion, irreligion, age, veteran status, ability status, marital status, or family status.

Salary for AnnouncementThe salary for this position is $60,000/year including a 3% cost-of-living raise per year. Funding is allocated to cover travel, lodging, and admission fees for the fellow to attend at least one conference, training, workshop, and/or professional development event per year in the position.

MSU Denver offers excellent benefits including medical, dental, retirement, tuition benefit, free RTD pass, and more. For a brief overview of these options, please see the Benefits section below.

Instructions to ApplyComplete applications received by Monday, April 29th, 2024 at 11:59 PM MST will receive full consideration, however applications will be accepted after this date until the position is filled. Please apply through MSU Denver's career site, https://msudenver.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/MSUDenver, and search for JR102207. Internal applicants must apply through their MSU Denver Workday profile by searching the Jobs Hub.

Please include the following documents with your application:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover Letter (1 page max)
• Research Statement addressing how the candidate sees themselves integrating into our research work based on their areas of scientific expertise (2 pages max)
• A list of three professional references including names and contact information
• Diversity Statement (2 pages max) addressing:
• A statement on the value and importance of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Energy Sciences Workforce from the candidate's point of view.
• Past/present contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion including information about your understanding of these topics and record of activities to date.
• Your specific plans and goals for integrating equity and inclusion into the structure of our program.
• Applicants will notice on the application portal there is one location (the resume/cover letter submission field) to upload all required materials. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field; alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF and upload. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application. Incomplete applications are unlikely to receive full consideration.

Official Transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting Representative

Tanya Rogowsky

Posting Representative Email

trogowsk@msudenver.edu

BenefitsMSU Denver is pleased to offer our current and potential employees a wide array of benefit options. To learn more, please visit the following link:

Employee Benefits Offerings

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.