Postdoctoral Associate--Electrochemist
TARGET START DATE: NOVEMBER 1, 2025
Montana Technological University provides a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible positions that includes health, dental and vision insurance, mandatory retirement plan with employer contribution, partial tuition waiver, and a wellness program.
Applications received by September 7 , 2025 will be guaranteed full review and consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Montana Technological University, is seeking a self-motivated and accomplished Postdoctoral Researcher to join the research group as part of an anticipated new collaborative research center focused on developing emerging sustainable energy technologies. This one-year full-time position is contingent on likely funding and is renewable based on continued funding and satisfactory performance.
The successful candidate will support efforts that develop solid oxide fuel cells for efficient and resilient electricity generation from challenging bio-derived fuels. The project will emphasize in particular the development of anode materials along with a mechanistic analysis of complex fuel-catalyst interactions. In addition to materials development and characterization, the candidate will be responsible for implementing and utilizing a variety of techniques adapted for in situ, operando, and/or online analysis, including Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, near-infrared thermal imaging, and mass spectrometry, to combine with advanced electrochemical analysis.
Responsibilities will be allocated approximately as follows:
Laboratory Research: 75%
- Develop, modify, synthesize, and characterize solid oxide fuel cells and their material components
- Plan, design, and execute experiments that elucidate detailed reaction chemistry within SOFC cells and materials using a variety of in situ, operando, and/or online techniques including Raman vibrational spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermal imaging, mass spectrometry, and electrochemical analysis.
- Develop standard operating procedures with proper regard to safety protocols including appropriate engineering and administrative controls, as well as PPE.
- Install, maintain and calibrate lab equipment as necessary for lab operations.
- Occasionally provide training to graduate and undergraduate students in related sub projects designed by the principal investigator.
- Provide regular and clear formal progress reports.
- Contribute to group meetings and research-center professional development opportunities
- Contribute to dissemination of findings to national and international conferences, as well as high-impact journals.
- Cover letter addressing qualifications,
- Resume
- Contact information for 3 professional references.
For full consideration application materials must be complete.
Any offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check.
Montana Tech is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University’s mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged. Montana Tech makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant’s ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee’s ability to perform the duties of the job. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, Montana Tech provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.
To claim veteran’s preference please complete the employment (veteran’s) preference form located on the employment page and email to humanresources@mtech.edu. You must include the job title of the position in which you are applying.
Employment (veteran's) preference form
To request an accommodation for the application or interview, please contact Cathy Isakson 406-496-4380; cisakson@mtech.edu
Why Work at Tech?
Help meet the changing needs of society by providing a transformative student experience by helping develop leaders for tomorrow by advancing science, engineering and technology.
In addition, Montana Tech offers an attractive benefits package* which includes:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with low deductibles and comprehensive coverage.
- Generous employer contribution toward monthly health care benefits worth $6.08 per hour.
- 5.9% retirement employer contribution for eligible employees
- 11 Holidays per year
- 3 weeks of Annual Leave to start
- Generous sick leave policy that can be used for sick children, doctor and dentist appointments as well as bereavement.
- 6 credits of coursework free per year (fees not included)
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Reduced tuition for dependents after 4 months of employment for eligible employees
- Employee Assistance and a Wellness Program
- Optional Retirement Plan for eligible employees
- Possible remote work days with supervisor approval and eligible positions.
* Benefits are dependent on position type and terms and conditions of eligibility.
Montana Technological University, Butte Montana, is nestled in the Heart of the Rocky Mountains along the Continental Divide, where I-15 and I-90 intersect. We are home to the largest National Historic District in the country. Montana Tech is a special focus institution with a reputation for excellence and value. Montana Tech is ranked #1 in the nation by CollegeNET.