The University of Kansas

Position OverviewDr. Yiling Nan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering at the University of Kansas, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join her research group. This is a full-time, on-site position with an initial one-year appointment and the possibility of renewal, contingent upon funding availability. The successful candidate will support a broader research initiative focused on computational chemistry for sustainable energy solutions , including the development and application of Drude polarizable force fields . Areas of application include lithium-ion batteries, high-salinity water treatment , and separations . The researcher will employ molecular dynamics (MD) and quantum mechanical (QM) methods to develop and validate polarizable force field models. Responsibilities will include both macroscopic property analysis (e.g., density, diffusion coefficients, ion conductivity, interfacial tension) and atomistic-level investigation of solvation structures and interfacial alignment. Additional responsibilities include developing computational tools for force field parameterization and simulation workflows, collaborating with research team members on data analysis, and disseminating findings through scientific publications and conference presentations. Ideal candidates will have strong experience in MD simulations, QM chemistry, and a demonstrated commitment to research excellence. For further details about the research scope and expectations, please contact Dr. Yiling Nan at . Job Description 65% Research : Conduct advanced computational research in the area of computational chemistry for sustainable energy systems, with a particular emphasis on the development and application of Drude polarizable force fields. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for performing quantum mechanical (QM) calculations, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and force field parameterization to support ongoing interdisciplinary research. 25% Reporting : Prepare and present detailed research updates on simulation progress, model validation, and methodological developments. Responsibilities include writing formal progress reports for internal use and external collaborators, contributing to group meetings involving faculty, students, and research partners, and presenting findings at national and international conferences (e.g., ACS, AIChE). The researcher will also contribute to the preparation of peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals and assist with proposal development for external funding opportunities. 10% Mentorship : Assist in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students by providing guidance on simulation setup, data analysis, and interpretation of computational results. The postdoctoral researcher will help train students in the use of MD and QM software tools, best practices for coding and reproducibility, and fundamental concepts in polarizable force fields. Position RequirementsThis position is primarily on-site, with the possibility of some remote work based on mutual agreement between the supervisor, department, and selected candidate. Required Qualifications Ph.D. in computational chemistry or closely related field. Demonstrated experience with MD and QM simulation tools and workflows as evidenced by application materials. Experience in scripting or coding for data analysis as evidenced by application materials. Demonstrated history of scholarly works (e.g., peer-reviewed publications) as evidenced by application materials. 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. Preferred Qualifications Experience with simulations of battery materials or separation processes, as evidenced by application materials. Experience in force field development, as evidenced by application materials. Experience with polarizable force fields, particularly the Drude model, as evidenced by application materials. Additional Candidate InstructionsA complete online application includes: Cover letter describing how the required and preferred qualifications are met CV/Resume Three professional references Application review begins Monday July 21 and will continue until a qualified applicant is selected. Contact Information to ApplicantsYiling Nan Salary Range$60,000; commensurate with experienceApplication Review BeginsMonday July 21, 2025Anticipated Start DateMonday September 15, 2025 Apply to Job

Position OverviewThe Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) at the University of Kansas (KU) is seeking a physical hydrogeologist to develop and lead a research program of international stature using both traditional and cutting-edge aquifer characterization and assessment techniques to investigate groundwater resource questions of relevance to Kansas. Specific areas of research expertise may include aquifer characterization, analysis of aquifer responses to anthropogenic and natural stresses, hydrogeophysics, and geostatistics. While these are areas of potential focus, demonstrated research excellence and future research potential are more important than the candidate's specific area of specialization in physical hydrogeology. Scientists at the KGS are state-funded, faculty-equivalent academic staff with sabbatical eligibility. Scientific staff are expected to develop research programs that are of international stature and highly relevant to Kansas, as outlined in the KGS promotion procedures . Scientific staff also typically have courtesy appointments with one or more academic departments providing them the opportunity to teach and serve as advisors of graduate research if desired. We anticipate hiring at the Assistant or Associate Scientist level, depending on qualifications. About the KGS and KU: The KGS is a research and service center at KU that conducts fundamental and applied research significant to Kansas. Within the KGS, the Geohydrology program conducts research on hydrologic and hydrogeochemical systems ranging in scale from site-specific to river basin and regional aquifers. The Geohydrology program has 30 individuals including seven full time scientists, technical support personnel, graduate students, and postdocs. Current areas of research include: physical, stratigraphic, and geochemical characterization of sedimentary aquifer systems: surface-water/groundwater interactions: solute fate & transport in river networks: spatial data analysis/geostatistics: assessment of sustainable yields in complex hydrologic systems: simulation of flow and transport processes: technology for subsurface characterization: quantifying impacts of conservation strategies on water resources: and human-water interactions. The group maintains a program of public information and education and has extensive interactions with water research and management entities at the local, state, and federal levels. Section staff have been nationally recognized for their excellence in research and for the quality of their technical reviews. The KGS is located on the KU campus amidst the rolling hills of Lawrence, Kansas. KU is an international, R1 research university, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), and the flagship university for the State of Kansas. KU has a large water and environmental research community spread across campus with many opportunities for collaboration. Lawrence is an eclectic town of 100,000 people along the banks of the beautiful Kansas River with an excellent cultural scene, historic downtown, cutting-edge library, farmers market, and many delicious restaurants. Outdoor opportunities around town include biking, hiking, and boating. The big-city vibes and international airport of Kansas City are less than an hour away. KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment. Job Description85% - Research Develop and lead a research program with an emphasis on regional- and field-scale aquifer characterization and groundwater resource assessment. Conduct fundamental and applied research that is both of international stature and highly relevant to Kansas. Collaborate within and beyond the KGS to carry out hydrogeological research projects. Communicate the results of research in peer-reviewed publications and to both scientific and lay audiences. Develop research proposals for external funding. 15% - Service Serve the institution, university, and discipline through activities such as: supporting KGS efforts in the areas of technical service and communication and public information; interacting with public, university, government, and industry; serving as peer reviewers and editors of technical journals; participating in professional scientific and industrial organizations; serving on University and KGS committees as assigned or in response to opportunities; participating in professional and governmental organizations that deal with Kansas and US water resources; working with students and visiting scientists when it complements and enhances research programs. Required QualificationsRequired and preferred qualifications for the Assistant and Associate Scientist ranks are listed separately below. In your application, please indicate which rank you are applying to and, in your cover letter, clearly address how you meet the qualifications for that rank. Required Qualifications - For Appointment as Assistant Scientist: Ph.D. degree in earth sciences or engineering with a focus on physical aquifer characterization and/or groundwater resource assessment. Degree must be completed prior to appointment start date. Demonstrated knowledge of theoretical principles of physical hydrogeology, as evidenced in application materials. Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of hydrogeological field methods, as demonstrated by previous work experience. Experience with collaborative research in hydrogeology, as evidenced in application materials. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as shown by peer-reviewed publications and presentations. Required Qualifications - For Appointment as Associate Scientist: Ph.D. degree in earth sciences or engineering with a focus on physical aquifer characterization and/or groundwater resource assessment with at least six years of experience in these areas in a faculty-equivalent position. Demonstrated knowledge of theoretical principles of physical hydrogeology, as evidenced in application materials. Demonstrated experience with a variety of hydrogeological field methods, as demonstrated by previous work experience. Six years of experience leading collaborative research in hydrogeology, as evidenced in application materials. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as shown by an established record of peer-reviewed publications and presentations. This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is based on accreditation requirements, institutional standards of academic and professional excellence, alignment with peer institution benchmarks, and contributes to the credibility and effectiveness of the role within the university community. Preferred QualificationsPreferred Qualifications - For Appointment as Assistant Scientist: Extensive experience with hydrogeological field methods. Demonstrated knowledge of the variety of disciplines and methods used in physical hydrogeological research. Experience with groundwater resource assessment in heavily stressed aquifers. Experience interacting with stakeholders such as water managers, state agencies, NGO's or the public Preferred Qualifications - For Appointment as Associate Scientist: Demonstrated experience developing advanced hydrogeological field methods. Demonstrated experience with projects involving integration of information from a variety of disciplines and methods used in physical hydrogeological research. Six years of experience with groundwater resource assessment in heavily stressed aquifers. Six years of experience interacting with stakeholders such as water managers, state agencies, NGO's, or he public. Additional Candidate InstructionsA complete online application consists of: 1. PDF Cover letter detailing application to specific rank, research experience, interests, and how the candidate meets the required and preferred qualifications (not to exceed 3 pages) 2. IPDFI Full CV 3. PDF A peer-reviewed publication the applicant believes showcases their research interests and expertise. 4. PDF Contact information for 3 professional references Review of applications will begin October 17, 2025, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified. Interviews will be tentatively scheduled in January 2026, with a tentative start date of June 1, 2026; the exact start date is negotiable. Contact Information to ApplicantsFor additional information contact Scott Ishman, For HR questions contact Annette Delaney, ,Advertised Salary RangeSalary is commensurate with education and experienceApplication Review BeginsFriday October 17, 2025Anticipated Start DateMonday June 1, 2026 Apply to Job

Position OverviewWe are seeking undergraduate students to join a research team examining how news outlets and social media platforms have covered the 2024 presidential election. In this role, students will analyze media content and categorize posts using a structured guide.Job Description 65%- Review and Categorize Content Read assigned articles and social media posts Apply the coding guide to label each item appropriately 30%- Training Participate in training sessions to learn how to accurately apply the coding guide when categorizing media content. 5%- Team Communication Check in regularly with the supervisors and team to ask questions, share progress, and stay aligned on project goals. Required Qualifications Advanced proficiency in Spanish, with the ability to accurately interpret both Spanish and English content as indicated in application materials. Preferred Qualifications Interest in media studies, political communication, or related fields.Desire to gain hands-on research experience. Position RequirementsDuring the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).Employment Conditions(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR. (2) This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.Additional Candidate InstructionsIn addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position: Resume detailing relevant academic, research, and/or work experience One-page cover letter describing your interest in the position and addressing how you meet the required qualifications. Contact information of two KU faculty members who can serve as references and speak to your academic abilities, reliability, or potential to contribute to a research project. Please submit all materials in a single PDF file labeled with your full name (e.g., FirstName_LastName.pdf). Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a short interview to further assess their fit for the position. To ensure consideration please apply before the application review date of September 15th, 2025. Contact Information to ApplicantsAlcides Velasquez Advertised Salary Range$15.00Anticipated Start DateMonday September 29, 2025 Apply to Job