NMR Staff Scientist

Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts & Science

The Handa Research Group in the Department of Chemistry is seeking a motivated and skilled Scientist to support cutting-edge research in environmentally friendly synthetic chemistry. This group designs catalytic systems using micellar (detergent-like) aqueous environments to develop green, efficient chemical transformations. This position will contribute to experimental design, data collection, and analytical interpretation, with a particular emphasis on organic chemistry in solution and collaboration with pharmaceutical industry partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct solution-phase organic reactions in aqueous micellar environments
• Develop and optimize catalysts and ligands for carbon-carbon and carbon-nitrogen bond-forming reactions
• Use NMR spectroscopy as a primary analytical tool, alongside GC-MS, HPLC, and IR, to monitor reactions and characterize products
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records
• Assist with manuscript preparation, grant documentation, and presentation of findings at lab meetings or external conferences
• Informally mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the lab
• Support lab organization and safety by maintaining instrumentation and ensuring compliance with safety protocols

Generally, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Some flexibility with hours/days is available with supervisory approval.

A Bachelor's degree in related/ relevant area and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• Demonstrated experience in solution-phase chemistry, particularly in micellar systems or aqueous reaction media
• Hands-on expertise in organic catalysis, including catalyst/ligand development or optimization
• Proficiency in NMR spectroscopy, including experiment setup, data acquisition, and interpretation
• Familiarity with additional analytical techniques such as GC-MS, HPLC, and IR spectroscopy
• Background in green chemistry or environmentally sustainable research practices
• Experience collaborating on interdisciplinary or industry-partnered research projects
• Strong record of scientific communication through publications, presentations, or technical reporting

Salary Range: $52,915.20 annually

Grade: GGS-010

University Title: Scientist

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Visa Sponsorship Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.