Postdoctoral Researcher

Employer: The University of Kansas
Location: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

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Employment Type: Full Time
Institution Type: Four-Year Institution

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Position OverviewThe Department of Chemistry at the University of Kansas seeks to fill a postdoctoral research position in theoretical chemistry, working in the groups of Professors Ward Thompson and Brian Laird.

The successful candidate will conduct theoretical and computational chemistry research to elucidate the contributions to solvation free energies. A key focus will be determining and understanding the different enthalpic and entropic contributions. Computational approaches will include classical and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, accelerated sampling methods, and development of machine learned interatomic potentials. Research activities may include project design, theory and method development, execution of calculations, data analysis, publishing research results in scientific journals, and presenting research results at scientific meetings. Additional duties include mentoring of graduate and undergraduate research students and active participation in regular group meetings. The successful candidate is expected to pursue meaningful professional development opportunities that will prepare them for a productive career beyond this position.

STARTING DATE: November 16, 2026 (negotiable)

LENGTH OF APPOINTMENT: Initial appointment is for one year with possibility of renewal annually subject to mutual agreement and continued grant funding.

GENERAL DUTIES: The successful candidate will develop molecular simulation approaches, analyses, and theories to describe solvation thermodynamics.Job Description80% - Design/execute research (data acquisition, analysis, manuscript preparation, presentations, etc.). This will involve, classical and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, free energy calculations, implementation of accelerated sampling methods, training of machine-learned interatomic potentials, and development of new theoretical approaches.
10% - Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in their research activity.
10% - Professional development: this may include developing a detailed plan together with the PIs, participating in career development workshops, and delivering oral presentation in national and international meetings.
Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in chemistry or a closely related field.
Experience in molecular simulation
Experience in computer programming

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed 6-months.
Preferred Qualifications

Completion of Ph.D. within the last three years.
Experience with free energy calculations.
Experience with applied statistical mechanics.
Experience with Python programming language.
Interest in mentoring students.

Additional Candidate InstructionsIn addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
Resume.
List of three (3) professional references.

Application review begins Monday, November 9th and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified. Contact Information to ApplicantsWard Thompson
wthompson@ku.edu
785-864-3980
Advertised Salary Range$57,900-62,000Application Review BeginsMonday November 9, 2026Anticipated Start DateTuesday December 1, 2026Apply to Job

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