Postdoctoral position in nano-electrochemistry and material design at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Harvard University


Title: Postdoctoral position in nano-electrochemistry and material design

School: Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department_Area: Rowland Institute at Harvard

Position Description: We are seeking a curious and motivated post-doctoral researcher to join our research lab at the Rowland Institute at Harvard. Our research pursuits are primarily in the analytical/physical chemistry field and strongly interdisciplinary. Specifically, our star technique is scanning electrochemical cell microscopy ( SECCM ), a powerful electrochemical imaging technique for interrogating electrochemical processes at nanoscale sites of complex electrodes. We aim to expand the capability and applications of this technique to demystify activity at complex electrodes over several length scales (nano- to macro), attempt new kinds of measurements, achieve an unprecedented understanding of electro-materials used for diverse applications, and guide the rational design of next-generation energy conversion and storage devices.

Successful candidates will be expected to contribute to technique development/material synthesis, plan and lead research projects, acquire and analyze experimental data, supervise and mentor undergraduate students, prepare and submit peer-reviewed journal articles, and present their work at meetings/conferences. They will also be encouraged to develop their ideas within the field and to pursue independent funding opportunities.

We are particularly seeking candidates with expertise (i) in electrochemistry, analytical instrumentation, or other frontier analytical techniques relevant to surface science and amenable to electrochemical processes, or/and (ii) in the synthesis, fabrication, and characterization of materials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage applications.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with an annual salary starting at $67,600. Contracts are for one year, with the possibility of a yearly extension for up to 3 more years, contingent upon funding availability and satisfactory performance.

Flexible start date from July 2025. The priority application deadline is June 15th. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and open until the position is filled.

Notable publications:

1. Proton transport through nanoscale corrugations in two-dimensional crystals. O. Wahab, E. Daviddi, P. Z. Sun, E. Griffin, A. W. Colburn, D. Barry, M. Yagmurcukardes, F. Peeters, A. Geim, M. Lozada-Hildalgo, & P. Unwin. Nature . 2023, 620, 782-786.

2. Thousand-fold increase in O2 electroreduction rates with conductive MOFs. R. Mariano, O. Wahab, J. Rabinowitz, J. Oppenheim, T. Chen, P. R. Unwin, M. Dincă. ACS Central Science. 2022, 8 (7), 975-982.

3. Screening surface structure-electrochemical activity relationships of Cu electrodes under CO2 electroreduction conditions. O. Wahab, M. Kang, E. Daviddi, & P. R. Unwin. ACS Catal . 2022, 12, 6578-6588.

4. Microstructural Origin of Locally Enhanced CO2 Electroreduction Activity on Gold. R. Mariano, M. Kang, O. Wahab, I. McPherson, J. Rabinowitz, P. Unwin, M. Kanan. Nat. Mat. 2021, 20, 1000-1006.

5. Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy: A Natural Technique for Single Entity Electrochemistry. O. Wahab, M Kang, P Unwin. Curr, Op. in Elec . 2020, 22, 120-128.

Basic Qualifications: A PhD (or equivalent), or near completion, in a relevant field such as chemistry, physics, materials science, or engineering (chemical, electrical, or mechanical). Candidates should possess a good understanding and skills in electrochemistry, analytical science and instrumentation, or materials synthesis.

Additional Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas: Electrochemistry, nanoscale electrochemical (imaging) techniques, electrocatalysis, gas diffusion electrodes, fuel cells, batteries, scanning probe methods (e.g., AFM , Nano-IR, STM , SECCM , SICM , SECM ), advanced light and electron microscopy, materials synthesis (e.g., conductive metal-organic frameworks, 2D/hierarchical structures, nanoparticles, single-atom catalysts), analytical instrumentation (including electronics and LabVIEW FPGA programming), finite element modelling using COMSOL Multiphysics, and in-situ/operando spectroscopy, among other cutting-edge techniques.

Candidates with experience in related fields not listed above and an aptitude for analytical instrumentation or materials synthesis are also encouraged to apply

Special Instructions: The complete application package should include a resume, cover letter, samples of publications, and letters of recommendation. In your cover letter or a separate statement of research, please outline your relevant expertise or research experience, describe how your background aligns with the advertised position, and share your future research plans in relation to our lab's focus.

The priority deadline for applications is June 15. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will remain open until the position is filled.

Contact Information: For more information, please contact Dr Wahab,
60 Oxford Street, Cambridge, 02138, MA.

Contact Email: owahab@fas.harvard.edu

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.

Minimum Number of References Required: 2

Maximum Number of References Allowed: 3

Keywords: Electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, energy conversion and storage, complex electro-materials, analytical science and instrumentation.

Supplemental Questions: Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).



Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI267979745

Apply Now