Postdoctoral Associate (L,P,S)

Position Function

The successful candidate will play a leading role in developing innovative optical spectroscopic instrumentation and measurement methodologies, including unpolarized, linearly polarized, and circularly polarized transmission, scattering, photoluminescence, and emerging multimodal spectroscopic platforms. Working closely with faculty collaborators and an interdisciplinary team of postdoctoral associates, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers, the candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research while developing expertise in proposal preparation, project leadership, mentoring, and technology commercialization. The position is particularly suited for candidates pursuing careers in academia, national laboratories, or advanced industrial research.

Salary Grade: UC

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges.

Department Profile

For information on the Department of Chemistry, please visit www.chemistry.msstate.edu

Area of Specialization

Chemistry

Anticipated Appointment Date

Fall 2026

Tenure Track Status

n/A

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate is expected to become a scientific leader within the research group and will have opportunities to:

• Conduct innovative research in optical spectroscopy, scientific instrumentation, and quantitative measurement science.
• Publish high-impact research in peer-reviewed journals and present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Contribute intellectually to the development of new research directions and interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Participate in the preparation of competitive research proposals to federal funding agencies and contribute to long-term strategic research planning.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating research environment.
• Contribute to establishing the laboratory as a national leader in next-generation optical measurement science.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline (completed before the appointment begins).
• Demonstrated research accomplishments in optical spectroscopy, scientific instrumentation, physical chemistry, optical physics, or related fields, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong experimental, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct independent research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Quantitative optical measurements involving biological, chemical, or nanomaterial systems
• Scientific instrument design, automation, and optical system integration
• Computer Programming (Python, LabVIEW,or related languages)
• Student mentoring or interdisciplinary collaborative research

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Regularly involves lifting and bending. Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt chemicals, etc.

Instructions for Applying

1. Cover Letter describing research interests, qualifications, career goals, and including the names and contact information for three professional references.
2. Curriculum Vitae including a complete list of publications and links to representative publications, when available.

Restricted Clause

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.