Postdoctoral Scholar

Postdoctoral Scholar

The Postdoctoral Researcher will work under Professor Musah's (PI) supervision to undertake independent and collaborative research in the area of the monitoring of environmental pollutants and their impact, both environmentally and atmospherically; contribute to the preparation of grant proposals to secure external funding, ensuring financial support for ongoing and future research initiatives; guide and mentor trainees fostering their professional development; collaborate to encourage interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange.

Job Duties

• 70% Carry out assignments associated with the project to which they are appointed, using their own initiative in the planning and execution of experiments, processing complex data, and writing reports for publication. This position requires minimal immediate direction by the PI and will require some independent decision making. Major specific responsibilities include development of tools and methods for the forensic identification of illicit materials utilizing ambient ionization MS, LC-MS, and GC-MS for NIJ sponsored projects.
• 10% Mentor and knowledge transfer for research project trainees, including undergraduate and graduate students.
• 10% Project dissemination, including drafting of manuscripts reporting on research results; conference attendance and participation; drafting of technical reports; posting of project information to various venues including print and social media, and websites.
• 10% Read the scientific literature and devise new experiments to test hypotheses; contribute to the writing of grant proposals; perform other duties as designated by PI.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry (Analytical chemistry emphasis on detection and identification of small molecules using chromatographic, mass spectrometric and NMR methods)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the design of methods for the monitoring and detection of compounds of environmental relevance.

Job Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present research findings effectively.
• Strong track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals related to the field of expertise.
• Prior experience in teaching, mentoring, or advising undergraduate or graduate students.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues and engage in interdisciplinary research.
• Ability to present information to scientific audiences in various forms of media.
• Demonstrated understanding of theoretical and technical aspects of a unique set of laboratory procedures and analytical equipment.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, fostering a collaborative research environment.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and a passion for advancing knowledge in the field.

Special Instructions:

Please provide cover letter, CV, and three professional references, including name, title, phone number and e-mail address. Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application. A copy of your transcript(s) should be attached to your application (if available); however, original transcripts are required prior to hire. For questions regarding the status of your application, please contact Professor Rabi Musah at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Posting Date:

August 19, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

December 17, 2026

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university's ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.