Position Summary

Metropolitan 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 "" 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 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 toin 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 (HSI), an INSIGHT into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity () Award winner for 10 consecutive years, and the only 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.

Responsibilities

This 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

• 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 Qualifications

Each 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.

Open Until Filled

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

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.

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.