Description

The research group of Prof. Donghai Wang at Southern Methodist University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in organic synthesis and polymer chemistry to join our interdisciplinary research team working on next-generation lithium metal battery technologies. The successful candidate will play a key role in designing and synthesizing organic molecules and functional polymers for battery electrolytes and polymer-based interfacial coatings for lithium metal batteries.

Responsibilities include

o   Designing and synthesizing organic molecules as electrolyte solvents or additives

o   Developing and synthesizing polymers as interfacial coatings for lithium metal anodes

o   Characterizing materials using standard organic and polymer chemistry techniques

o   Assembling lithium metal batteries to evaluate electrochemical performance

o   Analyzing and interpreting experimental data and preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals

o   Presenting research results at group meetings, conferences, and workshops

o   Preparing project progress reports and assisting in drafting research proposals

o   Mentoring graduate students in the research group

Requirements

     Required Qualifications

o   Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field

o   Strong hands-on experience in organic synthesis and/or polymer synthesis

o   Solid understanding of structure–property relationships in molecular or polymeric systems

o   Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and work collaboratively in a team environment

o   Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

     Preferred Qualifications

o   Experience with organic synthesis

o   Experience with air-sensitive synthesis and glovebox techniques

o   Familiarity with electrochemical characterization techniques (e.g., electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry)

o   Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications