EST. 2014

JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Scholar
Synthesis of Polymers for Proton and Hydroxide Transport

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Job Description.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to join the Kennemur Research Group in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Florida State University. The starting date is flexible, preferred in the early Fall, and can be as early as August 15, 2026. Review of applications will begin in late May 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

The Scholar will become part of a highly collaborative project with an overall research focus on understanding the mechanisms of proton and hydroxide transport in advanced polymer membranes. The collaborative team combines chemistry, engineering, materials science, and theory from two other universities and a national laboratory and consists of faculty, national lab staff, and other post-doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate researchers therein.

Specific to this position, the successful candidate will focus on organic and polymer chemistry to design, synthesize, functionalize, and characterize new polymers aimed at this research. Focus will be placed on monomer synthesis, various polymerization methods, post-polymerization functionalization, and a variety of analytical techniques required to quantify well-defined polymeric materials. The candidate will work closely with the team of collaborators at the University of Pennsylvania (Prof. Karen Winey), Michigan State University (Prof. Mike Hickner), and the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at Sandia National Labs (Dr. Amalie Frischknecht).  

 

Location.

The candidate will work in the state-of-the-art Chemical Sciences Laboratory at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Florida. Founded in 1851, FSU is the oldest contiguous site of higher education in Florida and encourages a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is a US News Top-50 ranked chemistry program in the country. Within it, the Kennemur Labs are custom-designed and fully-equipped space for the synthesis, characterization and processing of new polymeric materials and has full access to an abundance of staff-maintained Department Research and Support Facilities.

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Qualifications.

A Ph.D. in the area of Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer or Materials Science, or another relevant discipline must be completed by the time of employment. Candidates should demonstrate a successful track record of research accomplishments and a desire to accelerate discovery by working in a team-driven environment. Special consideration will be given to applicants with organic and polymer synthesis experience in addition characterization techniques commonly associated with organic/polymer chemistry research. In addition, communication skills, leadership, chemical hygiene/safety, and student mentoring experience are highly valued.

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To Apply.

Combined into a single PDF, please send the following application materials to Prof. Justin Kennemur at jkennemur@fsu.edu with “E009 Postdoctoral Scholar Position” in the subject line. The PDF should include:

1. Cover Letter (1-2 pages) describing qualifications, career ambitions, and how this position can assist in these goals.

2. Research Statement (2-3 pages) summarizing accomplishments and clearly describing work performed by the applicant.

3. Current CV that includes up to 3 references who have agreed to be contacted if necessary.

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