Postdoctoral Research Associate - Chemistry

Location: Vestal, NY Category: Professional & Support Staff Job Type: Full-time Posted On: Wed Oct 14 2026 Job Description:

This Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Materials Chemistry within the Department of Chemistry at Binghamton University (State University of New York at Binghamton) is supported by a third-year National Science Foundation (NSF) award, which represents the final year of the project. The position focuses on developing strategies to enhance the stability and performance of electrochemical nanocatalysts for fuel-cell applications and sustainable energy conversion.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in synthesizing and manipulating metallic nanocrystals with precisely controlled morphologies, as well as a comprehensive understanding of electrochemical reactions. Experience in electrocatalytic evaluation and the structural, compositional, and morphological characterization of nanocatalysts is essential. The successful candidate will conduct research involving materials synthesis, characterization, electrochemical evaluation, and fuel-cell performance assessment at Binghamton University.

A major responsibility of this position is to synthesize shape-controlled Pt-based alloy nanocrystals and evaluate their oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalytic performance using both three-electrode electrochemical measurements and proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) single-cell testing. These complementary approaches provide fundamental electrochemical insights and practical assessments of catalyst performance under fuel-cell operating conditions.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Mentoring graduate students within the research group

• Conducting advanced materials synthesis, three-electrode electrochemical measurements, and compositional and morphological analyses

• Managing and analyzing research data

• Preparing research reports, presentations, and academic manuscripts.

Job Requirements:

• Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field and demonstrate expertise in materials chemistry, nanomaterials synthesis, and electrochemistry.

• Substantial prior hands-on experience in PEMFC operation is essential for this position, including membrane electrode assembly (MEA) preparation, fuel-cell assembly, activation, testing, troubleshooting, and performance evaluation.

• PEMFC testing is a critical component of the third and final year of this NSF project and is specifically required to evaluate the fuel-cell performance of catalysts developed during the preceding stages of the project. Unlike conventional three-electrode measurements, PEMFC performance reflects the integrated behavior of the catalyst within a complex MEA, involving catalyst utilization, ionomer-catalyst interactions, electrode architecture, gas and water transport, membrane properties, and cell operating conditions. Given the limited timeframe remaining in the final project year, the research schedule does not allow for an extended period of training in fuel-cell operation. Candidates must therefore possess the relevant prior experience and be capable of independently conducting PEMFC experiments to ensure the timely completion of the project's final-year objectives.

• The ideal candidate will have substantial research experience in shape-controlled nanocrystal synthesis and electrocatalysis, along with demonstrated proficiency in PEMFC testing and operation.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a research team are essential.

• Preference will be given to candidates with additional experience in nanocrystal structure analysis and solid-state characterization techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

• Immediate availability is required to support the time-sensitive research objectives of the final year of the NSF-funded project.

Additional Information:

Salary: $58,000 annually.

Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.

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