Position Summary

Postdoctoral Position in Theoretical Materials Science for Renewable Energy Applications.

The Wexler Research Group at Washington University in St. Louis invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position. This unique opportunity is part of a multi-disciplinary, collaborative project funded by the Department of Energy, focusing on advanced computational modeling of perovskite materials for solar thermochemical hydrogen production. Our theoretical methods have been successfully applied to design a state-of-the-art quinary perovskite material for solar thermochemical water splitting, marking a rare example of theory-led design (Link ).

The postdoctoral research associate will gain valuable experience developing and adapting code for computational materials design in this role. This skill set is increasingly sought in academia, national labs, and industry. Combining density functional theory calculations with machine learning methodologies and thermodynamic modeling, our approach is uniquely positioned at the forefront of materials innovation for solar thermochemical applications.

This position offers a once-in-a-scientific-lifetime opportunity to contribute to advancing renewable energy. The successful candidate will be part of a crucial effort to realize clean hydrogen production technologies.

Join us and join our mission to lead the transition to a clean and sustainable energy future. Learn more about our work in the links provided:

• Crystal-feature model: Link
• Recent thermodynamic model: Link
• Design of state-of-the-art quinary perovskite material: Link

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/ .

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and apply advanced computational methods to model, understand, and predict the behavior of Ca-Ce-Ti-Mn oxide perovskites in the context of solar thermochemical processes. This includes predictive modeling of perovskite compositions and identification of optimal operational conditions.
• Work on a theory-led approach to materials innovation, focusing on the effects of cation substitution on perovskite materials.
• Collaborate closely with other research groups at partner universities and national labs, whose research spans materials synthesis and characterization, reactor design, and techno-economic analysis.
• Publish scholarly papers and present findings at conferences.
• Contribute to the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students in the group.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Expertise in theoretical and computational materials science.
• Proficiency in the use of density functional theory calculations and the development of computational methods in materials science.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in computational modeling and understanding of metal oxides and renewable energy processes.
• Familiarity with machine learning applications in materials science.
• Experience in multidisciplinary research teams.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

Interested applicants should submit a CV, a brief statement of research interests, and the contact information for three references to wexler@wustl.edu .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.