New

Research Associate

The University of Texas at Austin
retirement plan
United States, Texas, Austin
101 East 27th Street (Show on map)
May 13, 2026
Job Posting Title: Research Associate ---- Hiring Department: Department of Chemistry ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA ---- Earliest Start Date: Aug 01, 2026 ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue ---- Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS ---- Job Details: General Notes The Department of Chemistry is currently ranked 16th by the most recent US News & World Report survey. The department is a center of excellence with a community of world-class scholars, scientists, teachers and students who are supported by stable funding and state-of-the-art facilities. It is recognized as one of the preeminent academic centers for research and education in chemistry in the country. The Department has the highest average amount of external funding per faculty member in the College of Natural Sciences. Purpose The Research Associate in the Sessler Lab will independently lead research in supramolecular chemistry, focusing on PFAS detection, transport, and remediation, as well as chiral molecular systems. This role integrates synthetic chemistry, advanced analytical methods, and computational modeling, while supporting collaborative research, publications, and grant development. Responsibilities Design and synthesize supramolecular host systems for PFAS recognition, transport, and chiral molecular applications Develop and optimize PFAS detection, transport, removal, and degradation strategies using supramolecular approaches Conduct quantitative and analytical studies using LC-MS, NMR, UV-vis, fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction techniques Perform binding, kinetic, and mechanistic analyses, including titrations and variable-temperature NMR studies Design and evaluate adaptive-locking chirality (ALC) systems and chiroptical properties (CD, CPL) Apply computational modeling (DFT/TD-DFT) and electrochemical methods to study molecular behavior and properties Collaborate on interdisciplinary research initiatives, contribute to grant proposals (NSF/NIH), and lead manuscript preparation for publication Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field Strong background in supramolecular chemistry, host-guest interactions, and molecular design, with experience in organic synthesis Proficiency in advanced analytical techniques (e.g., NMR, LC-MS, UV-vis, fluorescence, X-ray diffraction) and data analysis Experience with computational chemistry methods (e.g., DFT/TD-DFT) and/or electrochemical techniques preferred Knowledge of PFAS chemistry or environmental applications preferred Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, publish findings, and contribute to grant proposals Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. Preferred Qualifications Salary Range $59,000 + depending on qualifications Working Conditions Laboratory-based position requiring regular use of chemical reagents and standard laboratory equipment Handling of hazardous materials in accordance with established safety protocols Use of advanced analytical instrumentation (e.g., NMR, LC-MS, spectroscopy systems) Combination of laboratory experiments, computational work, and data analysis Occasional extended hours to support experimental timelines and research deadlines Required Materials Resume/CV Minimum of three letters of reference, at least two of which must be from referees outside of the University of Texas at Austin. Letter of interest Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure thatALLRequired Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes. Important for Current university employees and contingent workers:As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questionspresented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above. ---- Employment Eligibility: Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval. ---- Retirement Plan Eligibility: The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. ---- Background Checks: A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position. ---- Equal Opportunity Employer: The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. ---- Pay Transparency: The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. ---- Employment Eligibility Verification: If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university. ---- E-Verify: The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF] ---- Compliance: Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.