Faculty.Professor.Visiting Research Assistant

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for a full-time Visiting Research Assistant Professor to lead and conduct research on the chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect. The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Haitao Liu and his research group to investigate how molecular chirality governs spin-dependent electron transport and reactivity at surfaces and interfaces, with applications spanning spintronics, enantioselective electrochemistry and catalysis, and spin-controlled processes in molecular and biomolecular systems.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret experiments probing spin-polarized charge transport through chiral molecules, self-assembled monolayers, and chiral thin films.
• Develop and apply surface- and interface-sensitive measurements relevant to CISS, which may include magnetoresistance and spin-dependent transport measurements, electrochemical methods (cyclic voltammetry, EIS, chronoamperometry), spin-polarized or magnetic-field-modulated electrochemistry, and characterization by AFM, XPS, QCM/QCM-D, ellipsometry, and related techniques.
• Prepare and characterize chiral molecular assemblies and substrates, including DNA-based and other biomolecular chiral systems where relevant.
• Author peer-reviewed publications and contribute to conference presentations and dissemination of results.
• Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals and reports to federal agencies and other sponsors.
• Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate researchers, and help maintain shared instrumentation and safe laboratory practices.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience relevant to CISS, spin-dependent phenomena, electrochemistry, surface science, or molecular electronics, evidenced by a strong publication record.
• Hands-on expertise with one or more relevant experimental platforms (e.g., electrochemistry, surface characterization, magnetotransport, or spin-sensitive measurements).
• Ability to work independently, design rigorous experiments, and communicate results effectively in writing and in presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience measuring or modeling the CISS effect or spin-polarized transport in molecular and solid state systems.
• Familiarity with chiral self-assembled monolayers, DNA nanostructures, or chiral inorganic/hybrid materials.
• Experience with instrument development, automation, or custom measurement setups.
• A record of successful collaboration across chemistry, physics, and materials science.
• Contributions to grant writing and evidence of emerging research independence.

Appointment Terms

This is a full-time, visiting research assistant professor appointment, the initial appointment term will be 1 year, with renewal contingent on performance and the availability of funding.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests and experience (2–3 pages), and the names and contact information of three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.