Research Scientist II

Research Scientist

Under minimal or general guidance from the principal investigator, the Research Scientist classification is intended to provide a career path for experienced researchers who have attained a doctoral or equivalent degree. The Research Scientist will have experience sufficient to enable the employee to conduct all manner of research such as independently conducting complex scientific research or scholarship. Research scientists are expected to work independently, generate grant funding for projects and publish research results. The Research Scientist may be a principal investigator on grants if he/she holds an SDSU adjunct faculty appointment and meets any additional requirements of his/her academic department.

Responsibilities

1. Conduct Independent Research in Photocatalytic Organic Synthesis – 40% Design, develop, and execute research projects focused on photocatalytic and photoredox organic transformations, including reaction discovery, catalyst development, reaction optimization, substrate-scope evaluation, and synthesis of novel organic compounds.

2. Mechanistic Studies and Reaction Characterization – 20% Investigate reaction mechanisms using kinetic studies, isotope-labeling experiments, kinetic isotope effects (KIE), radical trapping, light on/off studies, quenching experiments, electrochemical measurements, and spectroscopic characterization.

3. Organic Synthesis and Compound Characterization – 20% Synthesize and purify starting materials, catalysts, intermediates, and target compounds using modern organic synthetic methods. Characterize compounds and reaction products using NMR, GC-MS, LC-MS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and other appropriate analytical techniques.

4. Research Data Analysis, Documentation, and Publication – 15% Analyze and interpret experimental results, maintain accurate laboratory records, conduct literature reviews, prepare figures and supporting data, and contribute to research manuscripts, presentations, reports, and scholarly publications.

5. Other Duties as Assigned – 5% Perform other research, laboratory, administrative, collaborative, or scholarly duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator in support of the Yan Lab research program.

Qualifications

Minimum Education/Experience

• Doctoral or equivalent degree and a minimum of two (2) years of postdoctoral research. Additional requirements may be developed for particular academic disciplines.

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
• Employment decisions are based on an individual's qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.