Postdoctoral Scholar in Organic Synthesis and Polymer Chemistry in the Functional Nanomaterial's Lab

A Postdoctoral Scholar position is immediately available in the Functional Nanomaterials Lab led by Dr. Jennifer Lu. The successful candidate will perform synthesis and characterization of small molecule model systems and corresponding polymers for creating a thermal contracting polymer platform [e.g., Nature Chemistry, 2013, 5, 1035, Journal of the American Chemical Society, 142, 16651-16660, 2020, Advanced Science, 202102077, 2021]. Successful outcomes can lead to in low-energy driven actuators or optical switches. It is expected that the appointee stays abreast of recent developments in the field, develop research ideas and write research papers in a timely manner. Mentoring graduate students and undergraduate students who will work on relevant projects is required. It is also the appointee's responsibility to maintain some of the lab instruments and promote lab safety.

Research projects are highly interdisciplinary, and it would be a great opportunity for researchers who would like to broaden research skills and interact with industry and National lab partners and sponsors.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/SARS-CoV-2_Covid-19. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Appendix F, Section II.C. of the policy for applicable deadlines. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

Applicants must have obtained a Ph.D. in organic chemistry or polymer chemistry or a related field prior to starting the position. The appointee should either have extensive research experience in organic synthesis and/or polymer synthesis. Good written and verbal communication skills are also required.

Highly self-motivated individuals who have demonstrated the ability to conduct independent scientific research successfully are desirable.

• 3 required (contact information only)

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy.

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from all qualified applicants, including women, minorities, veterans, and individual with disabilities, who will enrich the teaching, research and public service missions of the university. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy (https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/DiscHarassAffirmAction).

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https://www.ucmerced.edu/fast-facts), UC Merced provides outstanding educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California. The Merced 2020 Project doubled the physical capacity of the campus, and enhanced academic distinction, student success, and research excellence (https://merced2020.ucmerced.edu/).

UC Merced is a smoke & tobacco free campus (https://smokefree.ucmerced.edu/).