Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Fordham UniversityFounded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its nine colleges and schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Caldera Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Center in the United Kingdom.Benefits PackageThe University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short‑ and long‑term disability; employee assistance program (EAP); tuition remission; and generous time off.Position OverviewReporting to the Bepler Chair, the Postdoctoral Research Scientist performs computational research, software development, and data processing to support research and development of new lanthanide and actinide separation methods. This postdoctoral researcher aims to advance the state of critical mineral separations by combining machine learning, atomistic simulation, and automated experimentation. Work focuses on computational research, specifically machine learning/AI aspects of extracting design and experimental optimization in close collaboration with researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The role also includes the maintenance and continued development of the SAFE database (https://safe.lanl.gov), an emerging international resource for sharing data in the field.ResponsibilitiesPerform scientific research on applications of machine learning and AI to lanthanide and actinide separations.Write computer programs needed to perform research tasks and database maintenance.Write scientific papers and other technical publications describing the research.Communicate with technical staff at Los Alamos National Laboratory and NERSC and present work at conferences.Mentor students (as aligned with career development plans).Essential Functions NoteThis list is not intended to be an exhaustive list. The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.Management ResponsibilitiesNot responsible for supervision or oversight of others.Required Qualifications: Education and ExperiencePh.D. or equivalent degree/experience in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field (ABD or upcoming graduation is permitted).Required Qualifications: Knowledge and SkillsExperience in scientific computer programming is necessary.Excellent communication and project management skills.Ability to apply research methodologies and write reports.Proven ability to work collaboratively.High attention to detail.Preferred QualificationsExperience in Python.Experience with machine learning methods for chemistry is highly desirable.Experience with SQL and Flask for web database development is highly desirable.Experience with f‑element chemistry and/or separation science is highly desirable.SalaryMinimum Starting Salary $65,000. Maximum Starting Salary $70,000. Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.Union StatusIs this a Union position? NoPosting InformationPosting Number A952P. Number of Vacancies 1. Start Date ASAP. Posting Date 10/07/2025.Electronic EEO StatementFordham University is committed to excellence and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.Physical Activity and Work EnvironmentSitting Not Required. Repetitive Hand Motion (such as typing) Often. Hearing, Listening, Talking Often. Standing Not Required. Walking Not Required. Running Not Required. Bending, Stooping, Kneeling, squatting, Crouching, Crawling Not Required. Climbing stairs Not Required. Climbing ladders Not Required. Reaching overhead Not Required. Pulling, pushing Not Required. Shoveling Not Required. Lifting – up to 20 pounds Not Required. Lifting – up to 50 pounds Not Required. Lifting – over 50 pounds Not Required. Work Environment Office Environment: Employees are protected from weather conditions or contaminants, but not necessarily occasional temperature changes.Documents Needed to ApplyResumeCover LetterSupplemental questions you will be required to answer on the application (No action is needed on this page)* Do you have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree/experience in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field (ABD or upcoming graduation is permitted)?YesNo #J-18808-Ljbffr