Post Doctoral Scholar, Chemistry

We present an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and skilled researcher to join our team as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Inorganic/ Organometallic Chemistry at the University of Central Florida (UCF). This unique position offers a blend of advanced research in molecular inorganic and organometallic chemistry, with a downstream interest in reactivity, catalysis and relevant mechanistic investigations.

The successful candidate, housed in the labs of, and co-advised by Professors John Gordon and Titel Jurca, will play a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge molecular inorganic chemistry. Responsibilities include the synthesis and characterization of novel coordination complexes employing techniques spanning conventional air-free synthesis, to alternative sono- and mechanochemical methodologies. Relevant complexes will be further studied for reactivity, with potential application to catalytic processes. Additionally, the candidate will participate in standard laboratory responsibilities of upkeep/maintenance, the collective supervision of graduate and undergraduate students, and dedicated activities related to professional development.

Responsibilities:

Research: Conduct advanced research in the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of novel molecular inorganic complexes. Collaboration: Actively collaborate across both Gordon and Jurca groups, and the REACT cluster at UCF, in pursuit of the research goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in organometallic, inorganic, or catalysis chemistry. Strong background in standard molecular analysis techniques including NMR, FTIR, mass-spec, scXRD (not required but desirable). Experience in air-free synthetic techniques (Schlenk line, inert atmosphere glovebox)

Preferred Qualifications:

Excellent writing, communication, and collaboration skills. Track record of high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals. Experience with x-ray crystallography.

Benefits of the position include:

Competitive salary and benefits package, starting from $60,000. Opportunities for professional growth and career development. Renewable based on mutual agreement and fund availability. UCF provides a vibrant and inclusive research environment with state-of-the-art facilities.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a brief summary of research accomplishments, and arrange for two reference letters to be sent directly to titel.jurca@ucf.edu Application review begins on January 5th, 2026 and the position will remain open until January 31st, 2026. Expected start date is between 05/01/2026 and 07/01/2026.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Are Benefits Important to You?

State Benefits eligibility for OPS employees are subject to criteria established by the State of Florida. The state’s benefits administrator, People First, determines eligibility and coordinates enrollment. If this position becomes eligible for state benefits the employee will be notified directly by People First. OPS positions are not entitled to paid time off.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department

College of Sciences (COS) - Department of Chemistry

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Central Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer including Disabled/Vets. Click on UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement to view the President’s Statement.

The UCF affirmative action plans for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected Veterans are available for inspection in the Office of Institutional Equity, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., upon request.

As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

Department

Work Schedule

Type of Appointment

Expected Salary

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.