Special Instructions to Applicants : All interested applicants should attach a resume in the supporting documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name - RICE - Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

About George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing:

The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment.

We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought, and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Position Summary:

A postdoctoral research opportunity is available in the research group of Dr. Stavroula Alina Kampouri at Rice University ( https: //kampouri.blogs.rice.edu/ ). The successful candidate will lead cutting-edge efforts in the design, synthesis, and characterization of multifunctional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for solar-driven chemical transformations. These materials will be engineered to integrate semiconductive, redox-active, and CO 2 -binding functionalities to advance applications in sustainable energy conversion and carbon management.

The role involves designing light-responsive organic linkers, constructing MOF-based catalysts, and probing charge-transfer dynamics using a suite of spectroscopic and electrochemical tools. This is a collaborative and interdisciplinary project, offering opportunities to engage with researchers across chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in synthetic chemistry and photophysical characterization, with demonstrated experience working at the intersection of materials development and catalytic function. A background in MOF synthesis, redox-active ligands, or photocatalytic/electrocatalytic systems is highly desirable. The candidate should have a proven ability to work independently, communicate research findings effectively, and collaborate across scientific disciplines.

Workplace Requirements:

This is an on-site position, requiring all responsibilities to be carried out in person at Rice University Campus. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $48, 000 - 50, 000

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

This position is a benefits eligible, full-time position funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds.

This is a one-year, term limited position with the option to of renewal dependent upon satisfactory performance and availability of continued funding.

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science
• No experience required

Skills:

• Proficiency in inorganic/solid-state synthesis, including development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) or coordination polymers
• Experience in organic synthesis is recommended, particularly in the design and synthesis of redox-active or conjugated ligands
• Familiarity with spectroscopic and other characterization techniques such as UV-vis, photoluminescence, IR, NMR spectroscopies, PXRD, BET, XPS, and electron microscopy
• Experience with light-driven catalytic systems and/or electrochemical analysis (e.g., GC-FID, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical workstation)
• Strong experimental design skills, including optimization of material synthesis
• Experience conducting catalytic experiments, including batch or flow photoreactor studies; background in reactor engineering or reaction optimization is recommended
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment
• Strong time management, documentation, and organizational skills

Preferences:

• Background in inorganic, physical, or materials chemistry
• Prior experience with redox-active or conjugated ligand design
• Familiarity with the synthesis and characterization of MOFs
• Experience with photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, or light-driven chemical conversions
• Experience with reactor engineering, particularly batch or flow photoreactor design and optimization

Essential Functions:

• Lead the design and synthesis of redox-active organic linkers and their integration into crystalline MOF lattices
• Characterize photophysical and electronic properties of materials using spectroscopic (UV-Vis, PL), electrochemical (CV, conductivity measurements), and structural (PXRD, BET, SEM, XPS) techniques
• Conduct photocatalytic experiments for CO2 reduction and related light-driven conversions
• Contribute to the development of multifunctional MOFs that combine gas adsorption, light absorption, and catalytic activity
• Analyze structure-property-performance relationships to guide material optimization
• Prepare manuscripts, presentations, and contribute to grant proposal development
• Collaborate with graduate students and external partners across disciplines, including chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Additional information

This position will remain open through November 30, 2025, or until a suitable candidate is identified. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https: //knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.

About Us

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.