PhD

n/a

n/a

The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research [CAER] is assembling an outstanding research program in the field of flexible organic electronics, including sensing, bioelectronics, and organic semiconductor development.

The Organic Materials and Devices (OMD) group seeks one or more postdoctoral scholars for the development of high-performance organic electronic devices. Applicants for this position must have experience in organic electronic devices, and especially in transistors made from a broad class of organic electronic materials.

The successful candidate(s) will be responsible for training lab members on how to carry out experiments, how to use equipment, how to handle and correctly process data, as well as monitoring student progress and equipment use to ensure equipment is being used and maintained properly and ensure safety standards, and ensure student developmental progress.

The candidate(s) are expected to works across several projects to support the PI, as well as support the students for data collection and analysis. The candidate(s) must be adept at fabricating electronic devices, maintaining laboratory equipment, working across projects, and data analysis and interpretation.

The successful candidate(s) will also have primary responsibilities focused on the following:

a. Contributes data/findings for use in reports, manuscripts, articles, oral/written presentations. Writes process, maintenance, and protocol documentation, such as standard operating procedures, to ensure a continuation of smooth running of the lab. Ensures timely delivery on project milestones.

b. Conducts physical tests, including, utilizing extensive electrical measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and microscopy.

c. Conducts electronic device fabrication using solution processing, thermal evaporation, photolithography, and glovebox use. May independently lead sub-task level activities on projects.

d. Trouble shoots lab instrumentation. Records operating data such as process conditions, test results, and instrument readings. Compiles data and carried out extensive analysis on data. Monitors assigned resources, including equipment, space, cost and schedules.

e. Responsible for maintenance of existing laboratory equipment.

Additionally, the candidate(s) should have excellent organizational and writing skills, a strong health and safety ethic, good interpersonal skills and demonstrated record of teamwork, adaptability, innovation and initiative; and the ability to work well with all levels of personnel throughout CAER's laboratories. A reliable and dedicated work ethic is expected and required.

Duties and Responsibilities: A sampling of duties and responsibilities the successful candidate will be engaged in are as follows:
1. Equipment and Supplies
Assist in the preparation and maintenance of research environment and equipment, including cleaning and set-up duties. Constructs, assembles, installs, operates, calibrates, tests, modifies, and maintains process equipment and analytical apparatus. Responsible for procurement, storage, logging of supplies and equipment. Responsible for handling, identification, packaging and storage of raw materials and samples. Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of lab supplies and equipment.
2. Laboratory and Experimental Research
Responsible for collection of data, data storage, and contributes to analysis and interpretation of results, including taking samples, making identifications and taking measurements, and collecting, recording, and coding/ plotting data and analyzing data. Maintains adequate up to date logbooks and other records. Monitors quality and reproducibility of data, identifies problem areas, and institutes repeats/checks where necessary.
3. Results and Scholarly Output
Contributes to the preparation of scholarly reports, abstracts, manuscripts, articles, technical reviews, invention disclosures, and proposal submissions.
4. Instruction and Service
May be involved in the instruction and training of other students and employees, and providing technical services for the general public, government, industry, and academic organizations.
5. Occupational Safety
Maintains clean and safe working area and follows and prosecutes safety procedures. Stays up to date on appropriate use of tools, instruments, computers, and analytical apparatus.

Independent, disciplined researchers with a strong publication and presentation track record are preferred. Experience in independently conducting publication quality research expediently is a critical component.

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.