Associate Research Scientist

The Department of Chemistry at Columbia University invites applications for an Associate Research Scientist position under the supervision of Professor Xiaoyang Zhu. The Zhu Lab focuses on the photophysics of nanoscale, molecular, and hybrid semiconductors and interfaces. We investigate the dynamics of quasiparticles-such as excitons, polarons, and polaritons-and their many-body interactions, which are central to understanding and optimizing optoelectronic processes like solar energy conversion, light emission, and polariton condensation.

The successful candidate will lead and support cutting-edge experimental efforts utilizing techniques including femtosecond nonlinear optical spectroscopy, transient absorption and emission spectroscopy, THz spectroscopy and microscopy, and two-dimensional spectroscopy. This position will involve collaboration with a diverse, interdisciplinary team of chemists, physicists, and materials scientists, and will contribute to the mission of large-scale research centers such as the DOE Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC) and NSF MRSEC.

Additional responsibilities include coordination of collaborative projects, mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students and postdocs, preparation of manuscripts and research proposals, and active participation in lab meetings and seminars. This is a full-time position with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon performance and funding availability.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2-5 years of postdoctoral research experience in experimental physical chemistry or condensed matter physics.
• Hands-on expertise with ultrafast spectroscopy, terahertz (THz) spectroscopy, and related photophysical techniques.* Demonstrated experience in analyzing and simulating time-resolved dynamics
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW) for data acquisition and analysis.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• A strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience mentoring students and contributing to collaborative research efforts.
• Familiarity with DOE- or NSF-funded research environments is a plus.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.